John F. Leonard

John F. Leonard, age 77 of Beavercreek, Ohio passed away at the Kettering Health Main Campus, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. John was a lifelong resident of Beavercreek, Ohio and graduated from Beavercreek High School in 1965. He joined the Marine Corp in 1966 and fought for his country in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968.

John returned home and went to work as a Battery Lab Researcher and Environmental Compliance Specialist at AFRL Wright-Patterson AFB, OH for 38 years. He continued his work as an Environmental Compliance Specialist for another 6 years at Heritage Crystal Clean before permanently retiring in 2014.

He held many awards and recognitions, but his proudest achievement was being listed in “Who’s Who in Chemistry and Plastics” in 1986 for his contributions to 6 patents in the field of electrochemical and energy conversion. He went on to contribute to another 8 patents while working in the Propulsion Directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

John loved to be the host. Whether it was just playing pool in the basement with a group of his “kids” or having big cookouts for Memorial Days and Fourth of Julys. He also enjoyed going up to Grand Lake St Mary’s to fish, boat, and camp with family and friends.

Above all, he was happiest when he was helping other people. He could be plowing snow off of the neighbor’s driveways; or helping build new decks; or fixing friends and family’s cars, and do it all with a big smile on his face.

John is preceded in death by his daughter Dawn Marie Leonard, his parents George “Bud” Leonard, and Winifred (Beddies) Payne.

John is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Sandra K. (Peltz) Leonard, their children; Pame (Matt Bowlsby) Leonard and John Scott (Leah) Leonard, grandchildren; Anthony (Annie) Leonard, Carmen (Nathan) Birt, Aaron John Gregorio Leonard, and John Easton Leonard, great-grandchildren; Aum Marie Leonard and Amias John Leonard, his brother Louis “Buddy” (Jan) Leonard and sister Lois (Jay) Copp. John also had numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who he loved very much, especially the ones who called him “Pops”. And his three dogs; Presley, Toby and Tilly, that he loved to spoil.

Family to receive friends 5:00pm to 7:00pm Friday, June 7, 2024 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-Beavercreek Chapel; where service will be held 11:00am Saturday, June 8, 2024. Burial to follow in the Mt. Zion Park Cemetery.

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”