Leonard James Dejoria

Leonard James DeJoria, age 74, died Friday, September 19, 2014 at his home in Overton, Nevada. He was born February 15, 1940 in New York City to Victor Frances and Julia Mary Funaro DeJoria. He was the fourth child with two sisters and a brother, all who have previously joined their parents. The family moved to Belen, New Mexico where Leonard graduated from high school. A true Renaissance man, while in high school he worked as a mechanic at a gas station. He decided to serve his country, enlisted in the Air Force and worked on aircraft. Using his G.I. bill he attended UNR to study photo journalism. He was a reporter for the "Sage Brush" and later became an associate professor. He was a free lance photographer and learned to be a locksmith. He moved his family to Henderson where he worked for the Henderson Home News, Stauffer Chemicals and was involved with running a beauty shop. He eventually opened his own locksmith and small engine repair shop, All-Rite Lock Shop. From that shop he also began a post-secondary school. He loved to rebuild old cars and enjoyed many classic car shows. Leonard was instrumental in bringing the first car show to Moapa Valley sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and later became president of the chamber for a term. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen Sears; three sons; Leonard T. (Dana) of Prescott, Arizona, James and Albert both of Las Vegas; 4 granddaughters and 3 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Huntsman Cancer and Research Center in St. George, Utah. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Boulder City Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.