Donald Lee Leonard's Obituary
Dr. Donald Leonard entered the Church Triumphant on February 7, 2010. Born September 3, 1915 to John Calvin and Goldie Lee Leonard in New Salem, N.D. Grew up in small towns in Illinois before moving to Philadelphia. Attended High School in St. Louis. Graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, McCormick Theological Seminary, Texas Christian and Yale University. Ordained to Presbyterian Ministry in 1940. Taught at Texas Christian University and Lewis and Clark College, and served churches in Texas, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon before being called to the National offices of the Presbyterian Church, where he served for 29 years. Upon retirement moved to Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, TX. There he established the Presbyterian Village North Foundation and its Chautauqua Program, and served in numerous volunteer activities. His volunteer activities include: conceiving, developing, and establishing the Presbyterian Village North Foundation , serving as Chairman on Board of Trustees, Executive Director (CEO), and an Honorary Member; Village Council of Presbyterian Village North serving as President (1983-83;1984-85), Chairman on Safety and Security Committee, Chairman on Communications Committee (twice), Member of the Spiritual Committee, Member of the Nominating Committee, and Dining Room Announcer (8 years); The Village Bugle, serving as Staff Member (1982-Jan 1999), Photographer, Editor (Nov 1986-April 1988 as Chairman of Communications Committee; Sept 1997-1999); Vesper Preacher; Vesper Liturgist; Committee on Auditorium and Library Lighting, where he ordered and supervised installation of new lighting fixtures and dimming system in auditorium and library; developed specifications, ordered equipment and supervised installation of new PA system in auditorium; developed specifications, ordered equipment, and supervised installation of infra-red hearing air system in auditorium; with Bill Knight, developed plan and installed PA system in library; Chairman on the Committee to recommend new mail room; member and consultant in PVN Computer Club; visitor in Health Unit; Chairman of Planning Committee for Presbyterian Village North 5th, 10th, and 20th Anniversary celebrations; and Curator of Presbyterian Village North. His wife of over 60 years, Ruth Eleanor Pendleton, predeceased him in May, 2001. Survived by son, Donald Jr. and his companion, Ann Diersing of Media, PA; daughter, Carolyn Weiss and husband Ronald of Pittsburgh, PA; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Presbyterian Village North Foundation, 8600 Skyline Drive, Dallas, TX.
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