Leonard Lee Heath

Leonard Heath passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025 at the age of 85 at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs. He had a great love for God, education, and family. He cherished staying in contact with family near and far.

Leonard was born on June 27, 1940 to the Heath Family in Lawtey, Florida.

Leonard excelled in academia. He graduated from R.J.E. High School in Starke, Florida in 1957 and was the Salutatorian.

Leonard continued his education at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida where he earned a degree in Mathematics/minor in Chemistry in 1961 and graduated CumLaude. He was listed as Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in the 1960-61 Edition.

He received a grant from the National Science Foundation to attend the University of Oregon where he received his Master's Degree in Mathematics in 1969. While attending the University of Oregon, he became a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Fraternity (National Honorary Mathematics Fraternity) in recognition of his superior achievement in the field of Mathematics. He pursued his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) from 1971-74 where he also taught for three years.

Leonard joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lawtey, Florida during his junior high school years. Upon moving to Peyton, Colorado, he faithfully attended Church for All Nations until his health began to fail. Many at the church knew he was a college professor and sought his help with Math.

Leonard taught Mathematics for over 40 years. In addition to the University of Florida, other academic institutions he taught at were Bradford County School System (Starke, Florida), Santa Fe Junior College (Gainesville, Florida), and Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College (Perkinston, Mississippi).

He retired from teaching at Pikes Peak Community College where he had taught for almost 25 years. He served as the Mathematics Department Chairperson from 1995-97 and was the Coordinator for the Coalition to Increase Minority Degrees for several years.

He was listed as one of the Who's Who Among Blacks in Colorado Springs in 1993 due to his professional accomplishments.

Leonard loved sports. He participated on softball and bowling leagues and often watched football. He served as a children's bowling coach and ran in several Garden of the Gods marathons.

He played the saxophone in the New Horizons Concert Band for over 5 years and briefly as a member of his church choir. He also took piano lessons. He led an active life.

Leonard was a skilled seamstress. He stopped sewing for his family and himself when he discovered it was less time consuming and cheaper to buy clothes.

Leonard married Ernestine Eubanks on May 16, 1962. This union was blessed with three sons (Reginald, Thaddeus, and Darryl). Ernestine passed away in 1973. He later married Violet Payne of Melbourne, Florida on December 30, 1975. To this union, one son was born (Marcus). He also had another son, DeCarlo Carr and daughter, Brinda Heath.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers (Mark, Raymond, Colin, Frank, Edmond, and Bobby) and four sisters (Delores, Annie Ruth, Sandra, and Kathy). He was the oldest living person in his family at the time of his death.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of almost 50 years, Violet; six children (Brinda, Reginald (Beki), Thaddeus (Michelle), DeCarlo (Fannie), Darryl (Teal), and Marcus). His sisters include Bette Reeves, Diane Brown (Johnny), Mildred Postell, Lillie Pearl Lee, and Shirley Green; brother, Rev. Dr. Wayne Finn (Barbara), and sister-in-law, Linda Hampton. He had nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and sorrowing friends.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Springs Rescue Mission located at 5 W. Las Vegas Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.