Obituary published on Legacy.com by Fountain Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery on Sep. 9, 2025.
A Celebration of Mike's life will be held on Thursday, September, 11, 2025, at 12:00 pm Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in
Lafayette, LA.
Visitation will be observed at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in
Lafayette, LA on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 9:00 am until the time of service.
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Michael Patrick Leonard, 40, of
Lafayette, LA, on September 6, 2025, as the result of a tragic accident.
Born in Crowley, LA, on April 10, 1985, Michael Patrick Leonard was the beloved son of Janie Leonard and John Leonard. Known affectionately as "Mike" to his friends and family, he was a man of quiet strength, deep humility, and unrelenting kindness.
Fueled by Red Bull and an inner drive that never let him sit still for long, Mike was always building, tinkering, or creating something with his hands. He had a gift for solving problems others would walk away from-hyper-focused and determined, no matter how big the challenge. His unapologetic honesty and practical brilliance made him a go-to for anyone who needed help, advice, or just something done right.
Though always in motion, Mike never failed to slow down and show up when it came to his roles as big brother, son, husband, father, and friend. His generous heart and sharp mind influenced many lives, yet he never missed the chance to share in the simple joy of passing a good time.
From an early age, Mike viewed the world through a rare lens and made those around him feel seen and special. As a boy, he could often be found running around the neighborhood or on the soccer field. As he grew and his world expanded, he was one of the few who turned neighborhood childhood friends into lifelong companions, with many more added along the way. This effortless loyalty and knack for deep connection became a theme in his life as he married the girl he fell in love with at 14 years old.
Mike met Sarah in geometry class at Acadiana High School in 1999. They married in 2015. From nervous homecoming dates to honeymooning in the streets of Italy, Mike and Sarah became the proud parents to Jude and Samuel Leonard. Fatherhood was another shining role for Mike, as he quickly became best friends with his two boys. Soccer coach, music enthusiast, and adventurer, he opened his sons to a world of excitement, laughter, playfulness, and most importantly, love. Whether cheering up and down the soccer sidelines or ducking from one of his sons' UFC-strength swings, he considered being a dad the ultimate thrill and gift.
As the Vice President of Engineering and cofounder of Mako Lift, Mike was also known for his analytical mind and attention to detail in everything he did professionally. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2008. Despite his efforts to downplay his talents, his creativity, problem-solving abilities, and successful projects made him a respected colleague and mentor in his field.
He leaves behind his wife of 10 years, Sarah Leonard; their two sons, Jude and Samuel Leonard; his mother, Janie Leonard; his father, John Leonard; siblings, Kiley Leonard and Colin Leonard (Anna); his maternal grandmother, Shirley Gary and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were better for having known him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Maddie's Footprints, 234 Rue Beauregard,
Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-534-4209, https://maddiesfootprints.org.
He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
Online obituary and guest book may be viewed at www.fountainmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1010 Pandora St. 337-981-7098 is in charge of arrangements.