Ronald H. Leonard , 91, of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 5:10 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025 at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.
He was born on October 8, 1933 at his home in Corning, Adams County, Iowa, the son of Lee William and Wanda Elise (Beadel) Leonard. On December 26, 1954 he married Lou Ann Newton in Colusa, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife Lou Ann; son Dr. Ronald Kevin (Janet) Leonard of Nauvoo, Illinois; daughter Nancy Lou Ann (Kevin) Schmitz of Nauvoo, Illinois; daughter-in-law Susan (Shane Labath) Leonard of Niota, Illinois; eleven grandchildren: Adam (Kelly) Leonard of Bloomington, Illinois, Ashley (Jason) Barnes of Leroy, Illinois, Abbey (Jesse) Hawkins of Leroy, Illinois, Dr. Tessa Johnson of Camp Point, Illinois, Brent (Andrea) Schmitz of Niota, Illinois, Johanna Schmitz of Nauvoo, Illinois, Tod (Heather) Schmitz of St. Louis, Missouri, Robin (Jose) Medina of King Cove, Alaska, Clarence (Tara) Gould of Cold Bay, Alaska, Joshua (Carie) Leonard of Niota, Illinois, Jamie (Kristin) Leonard of Kansas City, Missouri; great grandchildren: Charlotte, Graham, and Everly Leonard, Carissa, Nick, and Anderson Barnes, Lucy, Leo, and Eloise Hawkins, Ben (Janelle) Johnson, Colton and Delaynie Schmitz, Anna, Jack, Henry, and Charlie Schmitz, Thrasher (Cameron Samuelson) and Tito Medina, Kyler, Jordan, and Brooklyn Leonard, Brock and Jonathan Myers; great-great grandchildren: Myra and McCoy Welborn, Izaiah and Bentley Johnson and Oysten Medina. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son John Roland Leonard; two brothers: Roland Lee Leonard and Reverend Larry Leonard.
Mr. Leonard attended Carthage, Illinois schools graduating in 1951. He was an all-state fullback football player and member of the 1950 to 1951 undefeated Carthage High School football team. He also participated in track and field. He attended Carthage College and graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois playing football on both college teams. He served in the Naval Reserve for many years.
He farmed in Colusa area for over sixty years, raising hogs for fifty years. While farming he taught physics, chemistry, and math at Nauvoo-Colusa High School for five years. He served as supervisor of Pontoosuc Township, 4-H Advisory Committee, and Nauvoo-Colusa School Board, serving as president for several years. Mr. Leonard was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Carthage and fifty year member of Quincy Consistry.
Ronald was a member of Appanoose Faith Presbyterian Church where he had served as elder. He was also a certified Lay Pastor, serving Elvaston Presbyterian Church for fifteen years. He enjoyed the closeness of the church family, particularly Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the young children. He was a delegate to the National General Assembly of the PCUSA in 2004. He served on several of the Presbyterian of Great Rivers committees. He attended Cursillo #67 in Quincy and served on several Cursillo teams. He participated in several REC (Residents Encounter Christ) prison ministries as speaker and spiritual director.
He was and avid hunter and fisherman, teaching anyone who would listen. He enjoyed fishing vacations in Minnesota for many years, and Canada with friends. Ronald also enjoyed fishing in Louisiana with his wife. One of his special joys was duck hunting with his sons, grandsons, and friends, especially his long-time friend Rex H. Troute.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Appanoose Faith Presbyterian Church in Niota, with Pastor David Poland officiating.
Burial will be in Myers Cemetery, near Dallas City, Illinois
A memorial has been established in his memory for Appanoose Faith Presbyterian Church or Elvaston Presbyterian Church.
Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences to the family may be left at www.sbbfuneralhome.com.
