Donald Leonard

Mr. Donald Weston Leonard, age 92 of Lexington, NC died Saturday, November 19 at Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 22 at First Reformed United Church of Christ conducted by Rev. Robin Keating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park. The family will see friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, November 21 at Davidson Funeral Home. Mr. Leonard was born July 6, 1919, and was one of ten children of Daisy Reid and Tice Leonard. He was married to the love of his life, Lois Beck Leonard, for 67 years until her death on December 27, 2008. He loved having his great grandchildren visit. They are Weston and Reid Edens, Caroline and Emma Leonard, Sam and Anna Kate Goodman, Mason Tart, Cameron and Thomas Ostle and Chase Riggs. Don Leonard was a true Southern gentleman. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. He was born and raised in Lexington and loved being a part of his community. He owned and operated Leonard Cleaners until his retirement. He served his community by serving on the Lexington City Council, as a member of the Civitan Club, and the Salvation Army. He served his country in the Army as a Quarter Master stationed in the Pacific during World War II. He also served as a Trustee for Catawba College and was on the Board of Directors for Nazareth Children’s Home for many years. He was a life long member of First Reformed United Church of Christ where he was generous with his time and talents. He loved the church and served as an Elder and Deacon for many years. His faith was strong and constant as he led and set an example for many to follow. Don was a devoted husband and father and being with his family is what he loved best. He made his home a wonderful place to be and was proud and protective of his family. His son Donald Weston Leonard, Jr. preceded him in death on April 12, 2008. His parents and brothers XL, Ed, Nick, Calvin and Rabb Leonard and sister, Lyndal Leonard Head also preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Rochelle Bost and her husband, Tom of Salisbury. Daughter-in-law, Lynn Leonard of Gastonia, N. C. and Grandchildren: Kristy Edens and husband, Fletcher of Hickory, N. C. , Billy Leonard and wife, Sarah of Greenville, N. C., Brittain Haney and husband, Patrick of Charlotte, N. C., Kelly Goodman and husband, Ben of Salisbury, N. C., Brooke Via and husband, Mike of Charlotte, N. C., Lindsay Riggs and husband, Eric of Cornelius, N. C., Anna Ostle and husband, Chris of Rockwell, N. C., and Allison Tart and husband, Jesse of Salisbury, N. C. He is also survived by brothers, Reid Leonard and wife Mary Sue of Salisbury, N. C., and Bobby Leonard and wife, Becky of Potomac, Maryland and sister, Pat Leonard Woodruff of Lexington, N. C. His Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren loved their Granddaddy and were devoted to having special times with him. He showed us the true meaning of love and how to treat all with respect and kindness. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives. He has and will continue to influence his beloved family for generations to come. The family wishes to give their appreciation to Trinity Oaks for the support and companionship Don enjoyed the last two years. A special thank you to all those who cared for him at Rown Regional Medical Center especially the A2A medical floor, 4th floor Telemetry, and the ICC unit. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to First Reformed United Church of Christ in Lexington and the Salvation Army of Lexington.