Leonard was raised in Butler and graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1951. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree and his Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Leonard served in the United States Army from 1955-1957 where he was awarded the rank of 1st Lt.
Leonard was the 4-H Youth Development Specialist for the University of Missouri Extension office in Nevada for many years. He was also an independent insurance agent, writing for many companies including Hartford Life Insurance. Leonard was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and attended the United Methodist Church in Nevada. He was a longtime member of the Nevada Lion’s Club.
Survivors include his wife, Marylyn of the home; three children, Greg Ernsbarger (René), Jefferson City, MO, Brent Ernsbarger (Deborah), Nevada, MO, and Sherri Eador (Paul), Nevada, MO; eight grandchildren, Heather Urban (Erik), Naperville, IL, Christie Stone (Simon), Conway, AR, Brenton Ernsbarger (Emily), Conway, AR, Morgan Ernsbarger, Charleston, SC, Sydney Beachler (Trey), Owatonna, MN, Dalton Eador (Kaitlyn), Wichita, KS, Ashton Eador, Kansas City, MO, and Kierston Eador, Nevada, MO; three great-grandchildren, Maggie Urban, Emmett Urban, and Christipher Stone. He was preceded by his parents and a younger brother, David Ernsbarger.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Nevada with Rev. Michelle Whitlock and Rev. Jack Daniel officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to McGinnis Youth Center or Vernon County 4-H c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
