Don Leonard was born on August 22, 1935. He was the son of Elliott Nelson and Fairy Gray Leonard. He was the younger brother of Robert Leonard and Annabel Leonard Mendenhall. He loved hearing his dad's stories and going with him on part-time electrical jobs. Don's favorite story was his dad's two year adventure in Alaska. The journey started with Elliott Leonard was humiliated by a boxing match defeat and hopped trains to Alaska. Don never tired of telling that story to anyone who would hear. Don had his own two year adventure when he joined the Marines. The timing allowed him to miss combat and he was able to go out on a goodwill tour to Southeast Asia. He loved his time in the Marines and loved seeing the world, but he loved Wilma Judy more and they were promptly married when he returned. On his trip to Asia he bought the suit he was married in and a set of Noritake dishes for his bride. He was the father of four daughters, Judy, Jill, Amy and Kristin—he rebuffed anyone who joked about so many girls. Don loved his girls and was proud of all of them. He loved reading to his girls and making up bedtime stories. He had a life of hard work including time as a dairy farmer. On a rare day off he would spend time with girls once going to Six Flags and back in a day. After four daughters, he had six grandsons and later four great granddaughters. Don loved reading the newspaper and all kind of books, but especially stories about the wild west and cowboys. He loved collecting coins and loved going to the coin store on Marietta square. He liked watching Jeopardy and would boast about his ability to know the questions. He loved the American flag and was seldom seen without his flag pin or tie on Sundays. One of his greatest memories of his trip to Asia was seeing the America flag flying in a window and feeling so proud. He also liked wearing boutonnières to church on Sunday. His faith sustained him over a life that was often difficult, but one he cherished. He was so proud of his long marriage to Wilma and often told strangers about the length of their marriage (64 years). He was born in Indiana and lived in Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. He spent a long time in Millen, Georgia and was an active member and deacon at Millen Baptist Church and enjoyed being a part of the VFW. He and Wilma moved to Kennesaw, Georgia to be closer to daughters and he attended Kennesaw First Baptist Church. He appreciated how warm welcoming the church was, and he loved going to a Sunday school class there. Don enjoyed reading the scriptures aloud for the class. He was proud of his perfect attendance record in Sunday School. He valued perfect attendance and had 12 years perfect attendance in school. He was not highly educated, but he valued learning and was proud that all four daughters graduated from college. He liked building things for kids and grandkids—he made desks and tables and chairs that were passed around to grandkids. He liked making special birthday signs and cards. He was creative and was a great help with last minute class projects like making a sock puppet for the three billy goats gruff. He was opinionated, outspoken and frank. He was not always an easy personality to embrace, but he was sensitive and loved deeply. Playing cards with him often resulted in arguments. He could hurt your feelings, but he also was someone whose eyes would fill with tears at beautiful music or powerful speeches. Don had many longterm health issues and while his body was weakened, his mind and spirit was not. His final years were often spent at doctor's appointments or dialysis sessions, but the days also included good times with his family. He was happy to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water with his son-in-law, Andy and grandson, Jordan. They also traveled together to Glacier National Park along with another grandson, Justin. Don was happy to hear Allison Krauss at a concert with Willie Nelson, but his favorite singer was his undoubtedly his daughter Jill Denmark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first granddaughter Tiffany Noel, his oldest daughter Judy and his sister Annabel.

He is survived by wife Wilma Judy Leonard, daughters Jill Denmark, Amy Sassard (Nelson), and Kristin Saxon (Andy). His grandsons are Chris Patrick, Drew Patrick, Evan Patrick, Jordan Sassard, Justin Sassard, Holden Saxon and Ethan Saxon. His great granddaughters are Judy and Savanah Patrick and Claire and Nora Patrick. His brother is Robert Leonard. Remember Don when you see a flag waving or a red rose blooming.