Caryl George Leonard, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Honor Health Hospital Scottsdale, Arizona following an ongoing illness of cancer and COPD.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Jean Ruth Leonard; his daughter, Vickie Cunningham and her husband Robert Cunningham; his son, Mark Leonard and his wife Franki Leonard; his daughter, Tammy Leonard; his grandchildren, Holly Genes and her husband Nick Genes, Tiffany Cunningham, Dominic Leonard, Anthony Leonard, Francesca Leonard; his great grandchildren, Nicholas, Demetrius, Cristiano, Dexter, Zoey, Cassidy; his sister, Anita Sidner; his brother, Walter Leonard; his sister, Margaret Dorr.
Born July 8, 1936. He was raised in a small town, Farina, Illinois. He later moved to Arnold, Missouri where he met his wife and started a family. He and his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1970 where he remained until his death. Though, he loved Phoenix and all of his family and friends he always talked about Farina as home. You can take the boy out of the small town, but you can’t take the small town out of the boy.
He was a hardworking man that took pride in his work. Employed with phone company for 40 years. Retired in 1993.
Caryl enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping. He loved family gatherings, barbecues, cards and dominoes with his friends. He had a passion for all sports and enjoyed watching and playing them. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, build or grow. He had a gift of kindness. He enjoyed visiting his cabin in Forest Lakes and summer trips to Mission Beach. He enjoyed watching his grandkids and great grandkids grow and was very involved in all their lives. His number one priority in life was his loving wife.
He was a kind, gentle and caring man that touched the lives of many. He will truly be missed.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, June 2, 2019 from 12 – 4:00 P.M. at Mark & Franki Leonard’s private home. Please call for address. Mark 602-999-2038
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Bill Werner
My most sincere condolences to the Entire Leonard Family. Caryl was truly one of a kind and a great man. My childhood memories include so many of you from Christmas nights at your house ( I still remember the lights on the tree that bubbled ) to Easter’s in the park. I am so sorry for your loss. Caryl will not be forgotten and his kind heart and legacy will remain in all that were fortunate enough to know him.
Nancy Susan Merryman Blum
Many years have passed that our family has not connected but the memories of Uncle Cary will always remain with us . Dad enjoyed time with your Dad as we grew up in St Louis and family gatherings were always a fun time with his presence.
Peace will be with your Dad as he has now joined Dad and Mom in a better life with no pain. Love and prayers to all of you .
Your cousin, Nancy