"She didn't have to live alone:" High school sweethearts, married 74 years, die within hours of each other

WOODWAY, Texas -- After 74 years together, it is understandable why a Texas couple just couldn't live without each other. 95-year-old Leonard Cherry and 93-year-old Hazel Cherry died within hours of each other.

"To me, it's just the quintessential love story," Craig Cherry, the couple's grandson said.

"They were just ideal," David Cherry, the couple's son said.

Leonard Cherry and Hazel Cherry spent 74 years on this Earth as husband and wife, so it would seem fitting that they would both leave this Earth on the same day.

"Almost 10 hours apart on the same day. I think it's very unusual -- but they are with Jesus," David Cherry said.

72-year-old David Cherry is their only son. 42-year-old Craig Cherry is their only grandson. They spoke openly about the man and woman who changed their lives.

"One of the greatest moments I had with my grandmother was the night she passed away. Before she passed away, I was with her for two hours," Craig Cherry said.

"You can't pick up the phone and call them anymore. Can't go by and see dad and just check on him and give him some Twix," David Cherry said.

Their son and grandson said Leonard and Hazel were in love until the day they died.

"Even at 95 years old, he still, when he talked about her, had a sparkle in his eye," David Cherry said.

Leonard served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and then opened his own body shop in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Hazel was a loving housewife and mother.

"Probably most importantly -- they showed me through their actions how to love people that they didn't even know," Craig Cherry said.

Leonard and Hazel have left behind a rich legacy, and despite the sorrow of losing them both on the same day, Craig and David said they're happy to know they're together again.

"There is no question in my mind that my grandmother was waiting for him in heaven with open arms," Craig Cherry said.

"I feel blessed at this point in time that his suffering is finally over. I feel blessed that mom is with him and that she didn't have to live alone," David Cherry said.

A memorial to honor the high school sweethearts is set for Friday, November 4th in Waco.