Leonard Harry Uitenham Jr.

Leonard Uitenham Jr. Obituary Leonard Harry Uitenham, Junior, born on Saturday, December 26, 1931, to Mattie Florine Johnson Uitenham and Leonard Harry Uitenham in New York City. The family moved to Cleveland in 1934. Leonard grew up in public housing in the Central area. He attended Rutherford B. Hayes Elementary School, Central Junior High School and East Technical High School. In June 1950 he enlisted in the Army. Shortly after joining the Army the Korean War began. After bootcamp Leonard was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and began is his training as a Tanker. After graduating from Tanker School, he was assigned to the 64th Heavy Tank Battalion attached to the 3rd Infantry Division, and deployed to Korea for combat operations. This was the first tank battalion in U.S. Army history to be organized with black soldiers. A black soldier designed the regimental crest – the rampant head of a black African elephant -symbolizing the soldier’s pride in their heritage and their unit’s mission of mobile armored warfare. Today, every 64th Regiment soldier wears that same crest which is prominently displayed on the unit colors. Leonard proudly served in this unit until his discharge in 1953. In 2011 he was the honorary speaker at the 64th Armor Regiment Winter Ball in Fort Stewart, Georgia. An honor that he cherished. From his example most of his sons followed in his proud military tradition. While on military leave in May 1952 he married Dolores A. (Lee) Uitenham and for the next several decades he provided and protected his family. As a provider Leonard worked lots of jobs (many at the same time) providing for his family instilling a strong work ethic and discipline. In June 1984 he retired from the City of Cleveland, Street Division with 31 years of service. As a protector, Leonard was a disciplinarian, keeping unwanted elements from influencing his children and discipline his children much to their chagrin, but always with love. Leonard enjoyed traveling and always visited his children wherever they lived, from California, Alabama, Florida, Virginia, Georgia North Carolina, and Kansas. He is survived by: His younger brother named Edward Recard Uitenham His younger sister Cheryl Scott. Eleven Children: Dr. Leonard Curtis Uitenham (Alvenia) Greensboro, NC, (USMC) Deborah Jean Hamilton (Isaac, deceased) Cleveland, OH Yvonne Carol Russell (Leslie), Cleveland, OH Steven Edward Uitenham (Andrea deceased), Richmond, Va Ervin Mitchell Uitenham, Cleveland, OH Helena Bernadine Usianeneh-Tufts (Leonard deceased), Cleveland, OH Kevin Terrell (Wanda) Montgomery, AL Fabias Lamar Uitenham (JoAnn) Lansing KS (Army) Nicholas Sterling Uitenham, Cleveland, OH (NAVY) Yancy Morgan Uitenham, Jacksonville, FL (NAVY) Grace Denise Uitenham, Cleveland, OH Twenty-two (22) grandchildren and at last count twenty-six (26) great grandchildren. And many nieces and nephew who call him Uncle Leonard or just “Unc”. For 88 years, 11 months and 3 days he fought the good fight, he will be deeply missed. Brother, Daddy, Granddaddy, Great Granddaddy, Uncle and Friend REST IN PEACE Death Ain’t No Big Deal By Straight Company Some day when I breathe my final breath, And the doctor takes one look and says I’m dead The truth is gonna finally be revealed Their gonna find that death ain’t no big deal He’ll reach down and gently close my eyes And I’ll be watching from the other side. I’ll be laughing about how scared I thought I’d feel I’m gonna find that death ain’t no big deal. My soul is gonna be just like a bird set free. I’ll sail right past the moon and to the stars. I’ll be amazed when I get to Heavens gate Cause I knew my way home by heart A light will shine much brighter than the sun And I’ll be right back where I started from Ain’t no way to say how good I’ll feel. Children, death ain’t no big deal Death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, you ain’t gonna bother me. From the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Cause you’re with me each day I will feel your spirit To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard Harry Uitenham Jr., please visit our floral store. Read More

Leonard Harry Uitenham Jr.

December 26, 1931 - November 29, 2020