Donald Lee Leonard

In-home at Pleasanton, Kansas, on May 24, 1949, the world welcomed a bundle of wonder named Donald Lee Leonard, known to all as simply “Lee.” Having reached the remarkable age of 76, Lee decided it was time to hang up his many hats, leaving this earthly plane for the great beyond on April 3, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. Alzheimer’s might have won the final round, but not before Lee lived a life full of adventure, service, and a dash of humor.

Lee’s journey through life was anything but ordinary. He had a career path as varied as a buffet line, including part-time farming, maintaining ground radios at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS, fixing TVs in Clinton, MO (remember those?), driving propane trucks in both Lowry City, MO and Parkville, MO, hand-drawn drafting of bridges and airports for Bucher, Willis, and Ratliff, and chauffeuring the future by driving school buses for 12 years for Shawnee Mission West High School and Trailridge Middle School.

When he wasn’t hard at work, Lee could be found indulging in his passions: hunting, fishing, reloading ammo, or creating masterpieces with paint-by-number kits—because even an artist needs some guidance now and then. During his years at Fort Scott Junior College, Lee lived in a haunted house that dated back to the Civil War and was believed to be connected to the Underground Railroad. Lee enjoyed telling stories of the paranormal interactions he and his roommates experienced while living there.

Lee proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in Air Force Ground Radio Maintenance, led young minds as a Boy Scout Leader, and offered spiritual guidance as a Priest in the Community of Christ Church on Mission Road. His memberships were badges of honor, whether donned in Air Force blues or the khaki of a Scout leader.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Viola Leonard of Overland Park. Surviving him and charged with keeping his stories alive are his beloved (mail-order) wife of 53 years—details will be given at the funeral—Arlene Leonard, and their son David Leonard, both of Overland Park, KS. He also leaves behind his daughter April Ballantyne and son-in-law Ryan Ballantyne of Prairie Village, KS, as well as his brother Tom Leonard (along with his wife Nina Leonard) of Kansas City, and sister Kathy Leonard. They, along with countless friends and acquaintances, will forever cherish the laughter and love Lee generously shared.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on May 9 at 1:00 PM at the Community of Christ Church located at 79th and Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. After the service, attendees are invited to stick around for visiting time, where stories will be swapped and a light meal served. Please join us to raise a fork in Lee’s honor. All are welcome; no RSVP necessary—just bring your fondest memories and maybe a fishing story or two.

Lee’s life was well-lived, his jokes well-timed, and his kindness deeply felt. He may have changed his address to the great beyond, but his legacy remains firmly planted in our hearts.

Memorial donations may be made via Community of Christ Church for the Center of Hope. The Center of Hope serves less fortunate and homeless inner-city Kansas City citizens with hot showers, hot meals, a thrift shop, and a food bank. Another suggestion is to plant a tree in Lee’s name to help support God’s beautiful creation.