George Arthur Leonard, Jr.

George Arthur Leonard Jr. of Plano, Texas, peacefully passed away on August 13, 2022, at age 89 while at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas.

George was born at home on January 25,1933, in Waterbury, Connecticut to Dr. George A. Leonard and Catherine M. Leonard (Hurley). When George was seven, his father was called back into the military during World War II, where he was able to stay in the USA and served as a reserve officer and recruiting examiner doctor. During his father’s post, he attended various elementary schools in: Albany, Georgia; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; New Orleans, Louisiana; and El Paso, Texas. He graduated from El Paso High School in 1950.

George graduated from Texas Western College with a Bachelor of Business Administration. His studies focused on Engineering and Pre-Med. He completed four years of R.O.T.C. which enabled him to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve in the United States Army from 1955-1959. George began his military service as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Chemical Corps and was stationed in Fort McLellan, Alabama. He served as a platoon leader in the 34th Chemical Company and 100th Chemical Group. During his time, he also completed Fixed Wing Aviation Training at Gary Air Force Base located in San Marcos, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama. After completion of this training, George was assigned to the 504th Aviation Company 4th Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in 1959 and experiences of Artillery Officer, a Fixed Wing Aviator and Rotary.

On August 6, 1960, George married Eleanor Catherine Schiavo. Upon serving in the US Army, he accepted a position at Weaver Scopes in Personnel. He worked as Chief of Classification and Pay Administration Division for various federal agencies for 14 years. In 1981 he was a

Personnel Supervisor for the City of Arlington, Texas then the City of Plano, Texas. George held Texas Real Estate License, Texas Life Insurance License, and Commercial Pilot License for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Upon retiring from Personnel, he served as a Texas Peace Office for Dallas County.

George A. Leonard Jr. survived his beloved wife of 59 years, Eleanor (Ellie) Catherine Leonard (Schiavo) of Plano, Texas and son Thomas Andrew Leonard. He is survived by his children, James Arthur Leonard (Rhonda), Catherine Judith Ellis (Robert), and Andrew John Leonard (Anjanette); three grandchildren who he adored: Cameron Leigh Ellis, Patience Sarah Leonard, and Olivia Christina Leonard; and numerous nieces, nephews and two very special God daughters.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the entire loving staff at Faith Presbyterian Hospice who provided excellent care, comfort, and kindness in his final days to both him and his family. A special thank you to his neighbors and friends who looked out for George and made it possible for him to continue to live independently at home until July.

Our father, George A. Leonard Jr, will be sadly missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts. He spent his entire life helping those in need or offering sound advice. He loved taking the family camping, taking long walks with his beloved Trixie, traveling with his wife and watching old westerns or the Dallas Cowboys play football on TV. He was a wonderful dancer and enjoyed a waltz or swing dance. Of Course, he will always be remembered for sharing his stories of time spent in the army.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022, from 5-7:30 p.m.at Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas. The funeral mass will be Monday, September 26, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Plano, Texas.

Leonard will be laid to rest with military honors at 1:00 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas Texas. A large bus will be provided at the church to transport those that would like to join.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, please consider a donation to St Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org