Leonard Dale Lazzelle was born in Morgantown, West Virginia on January 4, 1940 and passed away on August 19, 2022 in Strafford, Missouri.

Len was the eighth of fourteen children and always had a story to share about growing up in his very large family. He left West Virginia for California in 1955. In 1960, Len met a waitress, Sharon, working at Arthur's Drive-In (the actual Arnold's from Happy Days) in Burbank and they married on August 19, 1960. Len and Sharon had a son, John in 1961 and a daughter, Lenae in 1967.

The couple then made a move to the Midwest in 1969, starting in Searcy, Arkansas to be pig farmers (that's a good one), then onto Tulsa, Oklahoma to make and distribute 8-track tapes (bootleggin') before settling on Springfield, Missouri in 1972 to start a screen-printing business.

Len owned several businesses over the years, but it was Ben Aroni, back in California, who gave him a job early on as a precision machinist, that set the course for his future endeavors. Len opened his own machine shop in 1974 in Strafford and began doing work for several companies, including Lily-Tulip/Sweetheart Cup. In 1978, Ben called to see if Len would be interested in doing some work for Rockwell International. The offer was too good. Len flew to California, moved in with his sister, Edwina and her young son, Sean in Palmdale, and went to work making parts for the first manned Space Shuttle. In 1981, Len was recognized for his work with a medal from NASA and a letter signed by the two astronauts, John Young and Robert Crippen.

Len didn't really have any hobbies, he worked seven days a week – but he did enjoy watching sports on TV (who would pay that kind of money to go to an actual game?). Len loved and cared for all of his immediate and extended family. He was a very generous man, who was always willing to help anyone in need. In 1992, Len's grandson Cole was born. If you ever stopped by Len's shop to talk, the conversation would somehow always turn to Cole. The sun, moon, and stars, all revolved around his grandson. Nothing brought Len more joy, than being Cole's PaPaw.

Len is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon Sims Lazzelle, son, John Lazzelle, daughter, Lenae Lazzelle (Zach Spoering), and grandson, Cole Hartfield (Katie Meyer). In addition, three sisters, Honey Miller, Glenda (Chris) Stone, Edwina (Clint) Treat, as well as many, many, nephews and nieces. Len was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Sperla Lazzelle and Glenn Leo Lazzelle, brothers, Eddie, Dode, Bob, Ronnie, Gene and sisters, Verna, Dorothy, Kathleen, Nancy, and Rose.

The visitation was held August 26, 2022, beginning 1:00pm. Pastor Scotty Killingsworth delivered the eulogy at 2:00pm. Klingner-Cope Funeral Home at White Chapel 5234 State Hwy EE, Springfield, MO 65802 (417)866-5012.

Those wishing to honor Len's generosity to others, can make donations to Rescue One Animal Rescue and Veterinary Clinic 1927-B East Bennett St. Springfield, MO 65804. www.rescueonespringfield.com