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1932-2026
Donald E. Leonard, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born April 26, 1932, in York, Pa., Don, also widely known as "Bap," was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man of strong faith who cherished his family above all else. Family was the greatest joy in life. He never missed an opportunity to remind them how important family truly is and how proud he was of his. Even through his last days.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was inducted in 1953, serving in the Korean War. While in the Army, Don served as a cook, a role that fit him perfectly with the care and generosity he showed throughout his life. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and continued his service in the Army Reserves. Just two weeks ago, Don was inducted as an Honors Flight Veteran and spent a day with many other honorable WWII Veterans in Washington DC with his grandson Quenton serving as his chaperone.
He worked hard from a young age. He was a salesman for Yorktown Caskets and a well know real estate broker for over 40 years. Don also served on both the Columbiana City Council and Chamber of Commerce. When not working he could be found delivering cookie boxes and crosses for your pocket to local businesses and friends around Christmas time as he adored making others happy. He loved playing games with his family including cards, Dominos and Chinese Checkers.
Don was a longtime member of numerous groups and clubs including the Masonic Temple Lodge, Al Koran Shriners Club, Columbiana Jaycees, American Legion and Rotary Club. He was a longtime member of the Columbiana Methodist Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was proud to have assisted in the baptism of many of his great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 77 years, Jacqueline G. Snyder Leonard, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, love, and family. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Palmer, four brothers, and four sisters from York, Pennsylvania.
Don is survived by his daughters, Deborah K. Detwiler and Renee L. Miller (Larry), his sister, Joan Freitag; grandchildren, David Detwiler, Nicole Rossi (Ryan), and Lauren Miller; 10 great-grandchildren, Hayli Troy (Jordan), Quenton Cross; Xathon Cross (Kennedy); Easton and Colson Shuto; Cora and Brady McAndrew; Maddox Detwiler; Marina and Rylin Rossi; three great-great-grandchildren, Alana and Mason Troy, and Baby Cross due in 2027; along with many nieces and nephews.
"Uncle Donnie" loved his hometown York, Pennsylvania, and his extend Leonard family dearly and remained proud of his family roots and the relationships that connected generations together.
Those who knew Don "Bap" will remember the wisdom and life stories he shared so freely. He believed in taking one day at a time, working hard, helping others, and making the most of every day. One of his favorite reminders to his family was:
"Every day you leave the house, you have to smile and make somebody feel good."
He lived by those words. Bap believed that a simple smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a hug could make someone's day better. He encouraged his family to be there for one another, to help those in need, to stay close, and to never forget where they came from.
His family will forever remember his strong faith, his work ethic, his generosity, his stories, and most of all, his unwavering love for all his family. His greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind and the values he passed down through the generations.
Don's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who cared for him, listened to his stories, and supported him throughout his life.
Bap will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.
Services will be held on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.
Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.
9/15/26