Obituary of Joseph William Leonard III

In Loving Memory of Joseph W. Leonard III who passed away on Tuesday April 9th, 2024. He was a loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. Joe was born in Pottsville. PA on December 24th, 1930, to Gertrude and Joseph W. Leonard II. Married to Josephine (Jo) Sunday Leonard who preceded him in death in 2014 after 62 years of marriage. Joe and Jo raised four children together: Beth Leonard Jackson, (Carney); Joseph W. Leonard IV (deceased 1986), (Barbara); Virginia Leonard Vining, (Peter); and Dr. Stephen S. Leonard, (Kelly). Joe's only sibling, a sister, Elizabeth Eck resides in Germany. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Joe had a long and exceptional career that centered around coal mining and coal preparation both in industry and academia. He began working summers in the coal mines of the Pennsylvania anthracite region working his way up to Divisional Superintendent of Mines. His education included a BS (Mining Engineering) and MS (Mineral Processing Engineering) from Penn State University. He also was a Professional Engineer and Professional Chemist/AIC. Joe worked as a Research Engineer in coal and coke production for United States Steel's applied research laboratory. He then served as Dean/Professor of COMER, Director of the Coal Research Bureau, and William Poundstone Distinguished Professor at West Virginia University. He went on to be the founding Chairman/Professor of the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Kentucky. He retired from the University of Kentucky as a Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus.

Among his many professional awards were: The first recipient of the Howard N. Eavenson Award, the Award of Excellence (Society of Mining Engineers), Percy W. Nicholls Award, Erskine Ramsey Medal, and Distinguished member of Society of Mining Engineers.

Joe has authored over 125 publications and numerous books. Including, Coal Preparation, Volumes, III, IV, and V, leading publications on Coal Preparation with tens of thousands located all over the world. He was the long-term author of the 'Coal' section in the World Book Encyclopedia. His final publication was Anthracite Roots, a history of anthracite mining of Schuykill County Pennsylvania and the miners who built the industry.

His professional activities were numerous, among them were Chairman of the National Academy of Science, National Academy of Engineering Clean Coal Delegations to China, and member of the Board Power Research Institute Coal Quality Development Center. He also served 26 years as the secretary-treasurer of the Society of Mining Engineers Central Appalachian Section.

Joe has 26 patents and was a much sought-after consultant in the area of coal preparation. Joe has visited more than 300 mines in sixteen countries around the world often accompanied by his wife Jo.

Upon retirement he and Jo relocated to State College, PA where they spent many years enjoying the university environment, including cultural and sporting events. Joe served as President of the State College, PA Kiwanis club and Lt. Governor, Kiwanis International district 11E, PA.

Over his lifetime, Joe was a member in good standing of St. John's Catholic church in Pottsville, PA; St. Mary's Catholic Church, Star City, WV; and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College, PA.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday April 29th at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Star City, WV. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Joe may do so by contributing to the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund - in the name of the Joseph W. Leonard IV Scholarship Fund; The Erickson Alumni Center, Loyalty Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 4269, Morgantown, WV. 26504-4269