Donald Henry Leonard

Donald H. Leonard (93) passed away on December 8, 2022 at his home in Santee, CA. He was born June 16, 1929 on a farm near Rockwell City, Iowa and was the second of three sons born to William Gordon Leonard and Maude Mae (Hunt) Leonard. Don worked various jobs at J.C. Maybeery Produce, Farber & Otteman Furniture, and a Funeral Home within the County of Sac, IA. Upon graduating from High School in 1948, Don and four friends traveled to Northern California to work for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1949 he left to work at Hanford Works in Richland, Washington.

Don returned to Northern California in 1950 and enlisted into the Air Force. He attended basic training at Lackland A.F. Base, TX and was stationed at Warren AFB, WY, Lowry AFB, CO, Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, and Forbes AFB, KS. Don married Velda Laurel Weese at her parent’s home in Kinsley, KS and had their first-born child while in the service. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant in November 1954. Upon leaving the Air Force, Don and his family went to Sac City, Iowa where he worked for the Sac County Electric Co. The family relocated to San Diego, CA in 1956 where Don worked in various computer & financial positions at Convair, General Dynamics and brought two more children into their loving family. Don retired after 34 years of dedication to his career.

After retirement Don and Velda bought a home in Mesa, AZ where they would reside half of each year. Don enjoyed being a charter member in the Santee Lakeside Elks #2698, growing prize roses, participating in the "Indian Guides" with his son Fred, managing little league baseball teams, being active in a camping club, camping with relatives, traveling across the country with his wife and dog (Lucky), hosting family get togethers, playing card and dice games, and cooking up many family recipes.

Don leaves to cherish his memory:

Teresa (Donald’s daughter), John (husband), and Peter (son)

Lisa (Donald’s daughter), Frank (husband), Frank and Bryan (sons), and Kriste (daughter)

Bryan, Julie (wife), Tyla (daughter), and Jaxon (son)

Frank, Lexi (wife), Cinder (daughter), and Wolfgang (son)

Kriste, Nick (husband), Luke and Noah (sons)

Don was preceded in death by his parents (William and Maude), brothers (Ted and Cliff), wife (Velda), and son (Fred)