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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
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Walter Leonard Obituary
Aug 25, 1947 - Jan 4, 2025
Walter Leonard, age 77, of East Chicago, IN, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025. He was born August 25, 1947, in East Chicago, IN, where he spent his entire life. He was an Army veteran, and a Lifetime Member and retired Sergeant of the East Chicago Police Department where he served for twenty-seven years as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Head of the Traffic Division. Walter was also a devoted and loving husband of thirty-five years.
Walter accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN. His beliefs were a guiding force in his life. He was a member of the Friendship Men's Community Outreach committee. Walter had a passion for life that was evident in his many hobbies. He loved fishing, being outdoors, and socializing with his friends at Quick's. Above all, Walter cherished the time spent with his family, creating memories that will be cherished forever. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and strength, and will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched.
Walter is survived by his loving family and friends who will remember him for his kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by his children, Vernon (Dr. Karen) Morris, Joi Morris, Lyntoi Hester, Lakesha Hester, and Adrien Lewis; nieces Bernay (Harry) Johnson, Trudie (Samuel) Ingram; nephews David Tyner, Angelo (Dr. Earline) Scott, Kenneth (Althea) Scott, and Jermel Hester; grandchildren David Bonaparte and Ezra Chavez and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Morris Leonard; parents, Moses and Marie Leonard; stepmother, Willie Mae Leonard; sisters, Barbara Ann Tyner, Mary Davis, Regina Chandler, and Mary Willie Scott.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church 4756 Melville Ave, East Chicago, IN with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Reverend Marcus Mabry, pastor, and Reverend Rodney Golson, officiating. Internment Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart.
Hinton & Williams Funeral Home is honored is to be of service to the Leonard, Morris & Hester families during their time of loss.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Leonard
Sponsored by The Times.
Mrs. Charmaine (Banks) Davis
April 18, 2025
To: The Leonard Family. I am deeply sadden by your lost. I moved to Indianapolis many years ago. Sorry we couldn't keep in touch. I wished Walter could have known his Son "Andre" who is almost 50 yrs old ; With 2 Children and 4 Grandchildren. He resides in Miami now. My current husband raised Dre' as his own. May God bless you all.
Gloria Sanders Mcdonald
January 11, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family of Walter..my childhood classmate!
CLIFFORD JAMES
January 11, 2025
Sorry hear bout Walt fun person may Jesus keep us family, friends
Sharene Jackson ((Tooise)
January 10, 2025
Good person always had a kind words to say
Jeannie M. (Wash) Coleman
January 10, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Jeannie (Wash) Coleman
January 10, 2025
My sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved one, Walter. May he rest in peace as he joins your family members who passed before him. May the peace of God surpass all your understanding!
Pastor Therese Bibbs
January 10, 2025
Sending love and light to the family. Walter was a great man.
Val Carter Williams
January 10, 2025
I'm sorry for you//loss praying for you//.
Susie Peterson-Wren
January 10, 2025
Sending our love, condolences and prayers to the family of Walt Leonard
Lee Busby, Atlanta
January 9, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family of my 151st Street former neighbor. Not only was Walt a childhood neighbor, he was also a lifelong friend. He was a man who always demonstrated strong character, integrity, sense of community, and faith. May we all remember and honor his legacy of love, respect, and sustained appreciation of family and community. God bless each of you.
Mary(Dunham)Williams
January 9, 2025
Condolences from the Dunham Family!! We all grew up together in East Chicago Indiana. Great memories.
Mary Ross
January 9, 2025
Walt was a nice person always had smile and helping everyone he could, he will be missed.
Tundia Warner
January 9, 2025
We were neighbors on 151st forever. Walt grew up being busy. Always doing something. From wheelies on his 10 speed to his motorcycle. He was an amazing friend till the end. Just a good person and will be truly missed. RIP and fish all day now from Tundia and family
Greg Bloskey
January 9, 2025
I´m so sorry you´re gone special friend. I´m so sorry.
Sherman Wilder
January 9, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Walt will be truly missed.
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