Ace Hardware changes hands

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press 

As of Tuesday, January 2, the Ace Hardware store in Copperas Cove is under new ownership by Keith Ace Hardware, sold to them by Beverly Leonhard Smith and her husband, Daniel. 
The longtime Copperas Cove business was first opened in 1949 as Home Lumber by Ollie Little of Gatesville, then purchased in 1970 by Beverly’s father, George Leonhard, who was at that time the lumber yard manager and mayor of Copperas Cove. 
A lifelong resident of Copperas Cove, Beverly said she and her husband intend to use their time to relax and the two will also have the chance to hopefully see some of their grandson’s basketball games in San Angelo. She said what she’s enjoyed most over the years at Ace Hardware is the customers. 
Copperas Cove’s Ace Hardware is now the 14th Keith Ace Hardware location, with the company owning stores in McGregor, Hewitt, Clifton, Hubbard, Marlin, Red Oak, Brady, Lorena, Salado, China Spring, Belton, Meridian, and Valley Mills.
Keith Ace Hardware has been in business since 1983 and is presently owned by Karen Keith, wife of the company’s late founder, along with Tom Cox and Beau Nickel. Keith Ace Hardware offices are located in Lorena.