Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1923
DIED
2022
William LEONARD Obituary
William (Bill) Leonard, 98, of Dayton, OH, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Sycamore Glen assisted living on 3/13/2022.
Bill was born on 10/31/1923, to parents Herbert and Gertrude Leonard of Dayton, OH. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 during WWII. He served with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy where he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. After the war ended Bill began a short stint in law enforcement followed by a career in the residential construction industry then on to a project manager for hotel and resort development. He gave to the community by being involved with Kiwanis for a number of years.
Before going overseas to Italy, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Lightcap Leonard of Trotwood, OH, in 1943. He first saw her at school walking down a flight of stairs and immediately knew she was the one for him. They were married for over 78 years and remained devoted to each other until the end.
Bill always put family first. He will be remembered for his energy, integrity and incredible sense of humor and was loved by many for his ability to make people laugh.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Richard Leonard of Dayton, OH, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Ola Lightcap of Trotwood, OH.
He is survived by his beloved wife Wanda, his sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Bob Douglas of Centerville, OH, his daughter Deborah Leonard Wells of Greensboro, NC, son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Grace Leonard of Centerville, OH, his grandchildren Thomas Wells, Jessica Davis, Mark Leonard, Michael Leonard, and his great-grandchildren Sean, Eryn, Brennan, Henry, Jack, Ben, and Everly. In addition, brother-in-law Larry Lightcap and sister-in-law Vicki Schilling and numerous and loved nieces and nephews.
It was Bill's desire that his body be donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at the Wright State University School of Medicine. A memorial will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice or Tunnel to Towers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William LEONARD
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in William LEONARD's name
Memorial Events
for William LEONARD
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William LEONARD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
