Lawrence HazzardLawrence Hazzard
Lawrence S. Hazzard, 92, of Lewistown died at 3:40 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008, at Graham Hospital extended care in Canton.
He was born Feb. 18, 1916, in Lewistown, a son of Charlie and Ane Kathinka Rasmussen Hazzard. He never married.
Surviving are one brother, Charles R. Hazzard of Duncan Mills; four nephews; one niece; 13 great-nieces and nephews; one great-great-great-nephew; and one great-great-great-niece.
He was preceded in death by one brother, three sisters and one nephew.
In 1943, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps first as drill instructor and later Captains Orderly on the USNV 24 Belleau Wood Aircraft carrier. His ship was in the battle of Leyte Gulf and the battle for Okinawa. He was one of the first marines to go ashore in Tokyo before the treaty to end the war was signed.
He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1934, and was the winner of the Osborn Award. In the fall of 1935, he drove Reed F. Cutler on the campaign trail for state senator. From 1936-40, he worked for Glenn Wilcoxen at Lewistown Cleaners. From 1940-43, he worked at Iowa Ordinance Plant on construction and later production.
After serving in the military, he worked for his father until 1947, when he started at Buckheart Coal Mine, retiring from there after 30 years.
He served as president of Oak Hill Cemetery Board, and also on advisory board for Lewistown Savings and Loan.
He was a 64-year member of Lewistown American Legion Post 1, commander of the firing squad, 64-year member of Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and a member of the alligator club.
He attended First Presbyterian Church of Lewistown.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Rev. Danie deBeer officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with military services conducted by Lewistown American Legion Post 1, Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and patriot Guard Riders. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the memorial home.
Memorials may be made to American Legion Memorial Fund, 260 W. Lincoln Ave., Lewistown, IL 61542.
Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.