September 21, 1949 – October 3, 2020
John Harvey Leonard stepped into the presence of his Savior on Saturday, October 3, 2020. He was born on September 21, 1949 to John F. and Delores Jean (Hicks) Leonard in Noblesville.
For many years, John was a church deacon and enjoyed teaching the high school boys’ Sunday School class at Prairie Baptist Church. He currently was a member of Harbour Shores Church where he served as a greeter and enjoyed the fellowship of many friends.
John grew up on a farm in the Walnut Grove area where he attended school, graduating from Hamilton Heights High School in 1967. He continued his education at Purdue University where he studied the Airframe and Powerplant Certification Program in Aviation Technology.
John served his country in the United States Air Force where he attended tech school at Keesler A.F.B. in Biloxi, Miss., and finished his Air Force Career at Forbes A.F.B. in Topeka, Kan., in the 1370th squadron, the sole unit that conducted airborne photo mapping in the days before satellites.
John worked for Diebold Incorporated for many years, installing the first bank machines in the state of Indiana. He then settled into his first love of farming the family farms in Hamilton County.
John is survived by his wife of 50 golden years, Debbie. He is also survived by three sons, John (Deanna) Leonard, Josh (Julie) Leonard, and Jordan (Jessica) Leonard; and 10 grandchildren, Audrey Leonard, Lydia Leonard, Isaac Leonard, Nathanael Leonard, Naomi Leonard, Noah Leonard, Jaxon Smith, Connor Smith, Lincoln Smith and Gracie Smith. A sister, Linda Leonard Lefter, and a brother, Jim Leonard, also survive, along with nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Gates, and a nephew, Trevor Thomas.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 9, with the funeral at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 at Harbour Shores Church, 8011 E. 216th St., Cicero.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Miller and staff for their compassionate care and Randall & Roberts Funeral Homes.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbour Shores Church Missions, 8011 E. 216th St., Cicero, IN 46034.
Condolences: randallroberts.com