Jeffry A. Leonard

Jeffry A. Leonard, 73, of Jacksonville, died April 25, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 5, 1951, in Jacksonville, the son of John (Jack) and Audrey Anderson Leonard. Jeff married Mendy Slavens on March 9, 1974, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Franklin, IL, with Monsignor Driscoll officiating. She preceded him in death on January 4, 2018. Jeff is survived by two sons, Bryan (wife, Heather) Leonard of Jacksonville and Andrew (wife, Ashley) Leonard of Denver, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Haydn, Myles, Westyn, Avery, Greyson, Ruby, Henry, Audrey, and Jack; four siblings, Jennifer Six (husband, Michael Berman) of Silver City, N.M., Julie Anderson (husband, Tom Snyder) of Berthoud, Colo., Jay Leonard of Jacksonville, and Jill Leonard (husband, Nic Cook) of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by his beloved sisters-in-law, Michele (husband, Rich) Gebhardt of Jacksonville and Candy Slavens of Bellevue, Nebraska; and brother-in-law, Monte (wife, Jane) Slavens of Arenzville, as well as several cherished nieces and nephews. To many in the Jacksonville area and surrounding counties, Jeff was their go-to plumber for more than 40 years. As the fourth-generation owner of Leonard & Six Plumbing, Heating and Air, he built lasting relationships with his customers and remained deeply grateful for their support over the decades. From a young age, Jeff showed a natural curiosity for how things worked. He became one of Jacksonville's youngest licensed radio operators. During high school, he played bass in several local bands. Jeff enjoyed serving the Jacksonville community. He volunteered with Toys for Tots, was highly sought after for his mechanical know-how that brought many JHS homecoming floats to life, and for a time, served as a member of the City of Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission. He also served alongside Mendy in her many charitable endeavors such as Relay for Life. He was always eager and willing to lend a hand. Jeff was a proud member of the Church of Our Saviour, the Knights of Columbus, and Jacksonville Elks Lodge #682. His fun and clever sense of humor was often on display-notably in his annual ride in the St. Patrick's Day Parade with the Hole in the Wall No Spandex Bicycle Team. His favorite place was his garage-a haven of solitude and creativity. A gifted craftsman, Jeff spent countless hours there woodworking, building, and fixing just about anything. He was especially proud of the many hand-crafted regulator clocks he made through the years. It was also a space where he grilled, listened to classic rock, and welcomed friends for a cold beer. Jeff had a love for fast foreign cars, owning many throughout his life. After the passing of his beloved wife, Mendy, in 2018, his garage became home to his final project: restoring a 1972 Triumph TR6, in which he was often seen cruising around town. As one friend put it, "The world does not often produce people as unique and special as Jeff Leonard. He touched many lives, and they felt lucky to have known him." A visitation will be held Saturday, May 10, from 1–3 p.m. at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family kindly requests no floral arrangements; instead, please find someone to lift and pay it forward. Memorials are suggested to the Jacksonville Area Museum or Catholic Charities USA. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jeffry, please visit our Tree Store.