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Remembering Frank Leonard Broadwater… Leonard resided in Vienna and Parkersburg, WV, from his birth until 2010, at which time he moved to his family home in Tollgate, West Virginia. Because of declining health, Leonard moved to Elison Resident Center, Brown's Road, Marietta, Ohio, during the Summer of 2022, where he was a resident until the time of his death.
Leonard, the son of Ashford Broadwater and Matilda Wise Broadwater was born on April 12,1945. When asked for his Birth Date, Leonard's proud and immediate response was, "I was born the day Roosevelt died!"
Marlboros, beer, fast cars and work were the norm in Leonard's early teens through his mid- twenties. Rosemar Road and Route 47 were favorite racing sites of record. Years following an after dark drag race on Rt. 47, a participant confirmed people quickly scattered. Truth told, "It was definitely a "lights down" on Leonard's '63 Corvette Stingray, as he took to the woods escaping his fate of the State Trooper in close pursuit."
Cooling his heels on fast cars, Leonard focused on his two sons, Michael Stephen Broadwater and William Matthew Broadwater, sharing their love and enthusiasm of basketball, baseball, and football, both on and off the playing field, from early elementary years through high school. Continuing to enjoy time spent with Mike and Matt, during their years at WVU, these three "Broadwater Boys" cheered, along with family and friends, the win or loss of the WV Mountaineers. The love and friendship between Father and Sons continued by planes, trains and automobiles, while Michael and Matthew were employed between Texas, Maryland and New Jersey.
Leonard's work ethic was learned in part from his longtime friend, a local car dealer, as the two shoveled, hauled and sold horse manure to many Vienna residents for their gardens. While in high school you would find Leonard at the Vienna Pure Oil Station pumping gas or washing cars, as his sights were set on paying for his 1963 Chevy Super Sport, which he soon traded in for a new 1964 Daytona Blue Super Sport Convertible. Between 1963-1967 it was uncertain at which one of the three local Thorn's Market locations you would find Leonard working and managing.
Continuing his managerial and sales experience, Leonard enjoyed the friends made and conversations had, while employed by Montgomery Ward on Murdoch Avenue for twenty years. Using his knowledge gained and skills refined, while managing the Automotive and Furniture Departments, Leonard purchased and operated Breed's Automotive Center, Parkersburg, in 1990, selling it in the late 1990's.
Leonard's interest in Real Estate became a reality in 1978, when he, and his good friend, Charlie, passed their Real Estate Licensing Exam, under the supervision of Jon Bango, Bango Real Estate. Buying and Selling "Fixer Upper's" became a rewarding pastime for them. Maintaining an active Real Estate license, Leonard was best known for his Real Estate affiliation with Parkersburg Realty-Old Colony Realtors.
Travel outside of the United States for Leonard was the result of work earned opportunities, Church commitment and the hands of his sons' recommendations. Spain, Majorica, Hawaiian Islands, Tunisia, Switzerland, Greece, Greek Islands, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Israel.
To close this Remembrance of Frank Leonard Broadwater would be incomplete, without having mentioned the "Annual Lad and Dad Weekend." Composed of Fathers, Sons, Brothers, Friends, Mothers, Sisters, Girl Friends, who enjoyed golf, drinks of choice, friendship, tall tales, great food and repeating, Annually, for 12 plus years. Some stories are best remembered, when left unshared.
In addition to his parents, Leonard was predeceased by his son, Michael Stephen Broadwater, and his sister Ann Broadwater Reed Pitchford.
Surviving Leonard is his son William Matthew Broadwater, brothers Ashford "Bus" Broadwater, II, his wife, Carolyn Buckley Broadwater of Vienna and William "Bill" Broadwater, his wife, Janet Hendricks Broadwater of Vienna and Brother-in Law, Stev Pitchford, husband of Sister Ann, of Vienna, along with several nieces and nephews.
While a resident of Elison, he was welcomed and loved by his many new friends and caregivers.
The family will receive friends at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, WV on Saturday January 27, 2024, from 2 pm to 4 pm. A private graveside service will be held later.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that if you choose to remember Leonard, contribute to the Alzheimer's Association of WV, PO Box 18485, South Charleston, WV 25303 or Marietta Home Healthcare an Amedisys Partner, 27853 Ohio-7, Marietta, OH 45750.