Barry Leonard Obituary
Barry was born on September 22, 1940 in Wilkes Barre PA to James Richard Leonard and Catherine Collins Leonard. They preceded him in death, as did his younger brother Brian William Leonard.
Barry was proud to be a member of the United States Army Special Forces and served two tours in Vietnam. He retired after 20 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was also proud of being an Eagle Scout and served for many years as a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts in Decatur IL. He worked as the Risk Manager for the City of Decatur IL and retired from that position in 2008.
Surviving are his wife Kate Ruth Adams Leonard, his two children, Mary Kate (Chad) Martin of Frisco TX and Jamey (Jessica) Leonard of Columbia MO, his grandchildren Zachary and Rylee Martin, Emery and Stone Leonard, his stepchildren Duane (Elle) Williams of Mountain View CA, Kandy Williams of Cookeville TN, Adam Williams of Lebanon TN, and Heather (Sarah) Williams of Compton/Chicago IL, his step-granddaughter Kalina Williams, and his former wife and the mother of his children, Carol Zerngast Leonard. He is also survived by his Aunt Joan Eagen and many cousins.
Barry was an avid reader and loved watching sports on TV. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Donations in his honor may be made to Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro TN, where he was a resident for the past few months, and/or to Catholic Charities.
Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
David Coulon Burns
November 28, 2025
Ruth, I am so sorry to learn about Barry's passing. Please accept my condolences and know that my thoughts are with you and your extended family. I know you will cherish the wonderful memories you have of him during more than two decades of marriage.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
313 West Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087
Make a Donation
in Barry Leonard's name
People and places connected with Barry
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Barry's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Barry 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
