Reid Alfonzo “Fon” Leamaster was born January 26, 1930 to Delbert and Mary Marie Ungerman Leamaster in Hiawatha, Utah. Fon passed away surrounded by family on January 28, 2022 just two days after his 92nd birthday.
He had a happy childhood with loving parents. When he was 16, his father, Del passed away in the Hiawatha mine disaster. Soon after, they moved to Huntington and he attended North Emery. Fon was an exceptional student and athlete who excelled at everything he put his mind to. After graduation, he played basketball, baseball and ran track for Carbon College. He was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates minor league team. Instead of baseball, he chose to join the Navy and served in the Korean Conflict alongside his brother, and best friend Bert. After serving in the Navy, Fon worked for the Leamaster Mine until it’s closing. He continued working in the coal mines until his retirement in 1993. Fon was a dedicated member of the Huntington America Post #73 where he was the Historian for many years.
In 1954, he married Ramona Kinder and together they had five kids; Susan, Dawn, Vic, Del and Brett. Their home was never empty and everyone felt welcome at the Leamaster’s. He was a loving host who never turned anyone away without a meal or a parting gift. Fon loved to share his passion of hunting, fishing, gardening and music. He spent many years in the mountains with his sons and other friends.
Fon retired from Deer Creek Mine to care for Ramona who was in failing health. When she passed away in 1994, he spent almost every day fishing for an entire year. Kevin Phillips became his best fishing buddy and they spent countless hours out on the lakes in their boats or on the ice. He left fishing behind for a number of years to work on his cousin Donna’s farm alongside his grandson, Austin. From then on, we grew a deeper respect for his dedication and work ethic in everything he did. He made friends with the cows and made sure they, along with the land was well taken care of. He spent many years caring for others. He was a generous man with a great compassion for those around him. In his gentle way he helped many get through hardships. His presence alone seemed to heal wounds. Fon was loved by all who knew him. He was everyone’s “Grandpa Fon”. He endured unimaginable tragedy in his life, but remained stoic and kept his witty sense of humor till the end.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Millie and Bert, wife Ramona, and children Dawn, Vic and Del.
Fon is survived by his sister Faye Brown, daughter, Susan (Vernon) Childs, son, Brett, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Although he lived 92 years, it will never be enough for those who knew him.
Funeral service, Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at the Huntington Stake Center. Family will receive friends at the church Monday evening from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the Huntington City Cemetery with honors by the Huntington American Legion Post 73. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net