David Paul Leonardson

David Paul Leonardson passed into the next world on January 29, 2025, at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.

Born in Adrian, Michigan, he was the son of Russel McNeal Leonardson and Sue Letitia Leonardson. His mother passed away when David was just 12, and he took on the responsibility of running the household—planning, shopping, and cooking meals. At 15, when his father remarried Beatrice Leonardson, the family moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where David remained a devoted Michigan State University fan for life.

He attended MSU but left before graduating to support his family. After working for several years in transportation and real estate, he returned to school and earned his law degree.

Just before attending law school, he met Darcy Lewis, who introduced him to the Bahá’í Faith. David embraced the faith, and the two were married, eventually settling in Gaylord, where he began his law practice. In addition to his private practice, he served as a court-appointed attorney, tirelessly advocating for those who could not speak for themselves—especially children. He was the defense attorney for the county’s drug and alcohol court from its inception, demonstrating his deep commitment to justice and rehabilitation.

David also dedicated time to his community in many ways. He served on the Alpenfest Board of Directors for ten years, organizing entertainment and bringing Rosco the Clown to Gaylord in 1992—a tradition that has delighted children ever since. He was on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and an active member of the Alpine Regional Tennis Association, organizing the men’s tennis league for many years. An accomplished tennis player, he continued to challenge himself athletically, running the Alpenfest 5K at 70 and the Thunder Over Waters 5K at 75.

Beyond his professional and civic contributions, David was an avid nature photographer with an eye for capturing the beauty of the world around him.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Darclene “Darcy” Lewis, his daughter, Lecia Shockley, his stepdaughter, Jessica “Maxine” Bratus, and his sister, Jeanne Sue Leonardson Minor.

A gathering of close friends was held on February 2 to honor him and perform the ceremonial requirements of Bahá’í burial. A public celebration of life will be held in the spring, in coordination with his interment.

If you wish to donate to an organization or person in need in his honor, look around, see what is needed, and do that. That was his way—practical, thoughtful, and quietly making a difference.