Edward A Leonard

Edward Arlen Leonard, 69, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida due to complications following a stroke.

Ed was born on January 26, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa to Dale Arlen Leonard and Patricia Lou (Swallow) Leonard. He was the second oldest child of ten children, raised in Waukee, Iowa except for a time as a youth the family resided in Garden City, Michigan and Dallas, Texas. Ed was a 1974 graduate of Waukee High School.

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Navy for ten years, including two deployments, as an Aviation Electronics Technician. After leaving Navy service, he settled in Jacksonville, Florida working most of his career at Jacksonville Sound and Communications. He remained in the Jacksonville area until his death.

Ed enjoyed tinkering and building things. In high school he built a small log cabin in the timber on the family farm and lived in it for a time. In his youth he taught himself to play acoustic guitar and continued playing all his life. He was an outdoors type of person and spent many hours caring for his large lawn or puttering in the yard. He was the proud grandfather to his grandson Damon Leonard. Those who knew him will remember him for his relentless sense of dry humor and his quiet strength. Ed will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Ed is survived by his mother Patricia Gorman, daughter Melissa (John) LaBante, grandson Damon Leonard, brothers Les (Rexanne Wade) Leonard, Mike (Linh) Leonard, Andy (Patty Katzenberger) Leonard, Randy Leonard, Jeff Leonard, Ken (Vicki) Leonard and sisters Sandy Heck and Shari (David) Hankins, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Dale Leonard, step-father Leland Gorman, brother Tim Leonard, brother-in-law Dick Heck, niece Kristina Heck, and nephew Matthew Heck.

***UPDATE*** A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Waukee Cemetery. Ernst Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Ed’s final arrangements.