Robert Charles Leonard, the oldest of three children, was born to the union of ME and Odessa Leonard on November 1, 1930 in Coosa County Alabama. He grew up in a rural area near Alexander City, Alabama and attended school in an area called Cottage Grove. He often spoke of how many miles he walked each day trying to get an education.
After graduating from high school, Leonard went into the U.S. Army and was a paratrooper during the Korean war from October 1951, and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Leonard spent some time in Seattle afterwards but later decided that he wanted to further his education. He enrolled in Alabama A&M University in 1955 where he met and later married his wife of 56 years, Doris Robertson.
After his graduation, Leonard returned to Seattle and was employed by the U.S. Post Office and retired after 30 years.
He became a member of Progressive Baptist Church and later Rosehill Baptist Church.
In July of 1961 he married Doris Robertson and to this union two children were born, Benicia and Robert Junior. He was a devoted father and enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes at the 23rd & Cherry Hall, restoring cars and just being around people. He had a smile and joke for most.
Leonard was on the original Board of Directors at the 23rd & Cherry Fellowship Hall, where he diligently offered his services in any way needed, and influenced many young people in positive ways.
Leonard was preceded in death by his father and mother, ME and Odessa Leonard, sister Ann Honore and brother Maurice Leonard.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Leonard, daughter Benicia Wright (Reginald), son Robert Leonard Jr. (Gwen), grandsons Antione Williams (Celeka), Seattle, Brandon Leonard, Albuquerque New Mexico and Jordan Leonard, Seattle. Great grandchildren Marquis Williams, Aunna Williams, Ayanna Williams and Antione Williams Jr. Nieces Cheryl Honore and Carla Honore of Los Angeles, Clovis Honore of San Diego and Carvell Honore of Los Angeles, brother in law Quincy Robertson and Sister in law Dr. Mildred Smalley and a host of loving relatives and friends.
The wake for Leonard will be held on Fri., Apr. 20 at Rosehill Baptist Church – 7550 Martin Luther King Jr Way S. in Seattle from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Services will be held at Rosehill Baptist Church on Sat. Apr. 21 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Abbey View Memorial Park, 3601 Alaska Rd, Brier, WA 98036.
