Edward James Leonard

Edward James "Jim" Leonard, 77, of rural Geary County passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at his home. Graveside services with full military honors will take place at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. with a vigil service conducted at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street.

He was born 1 July 1936 in Buffalo, New York, the son Edward and Florence (Skarupinski) Leonard. He enlisted in the service in 1953 and retired in 1975 at Ft. Riley, Kansas, in the rank of Captain.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device and two OLC'S (Heroism), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart (Twice Awarded), Army Commendation Medal, Army Occupation (Berlin), Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Vietnam Service Medal (Two Bronze Stars), Expert Marksmanship with Rifle, Pistol, Machine Gun, Grenade and Bayonet Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

He was an avid fisherman of catfish and hunter. Jim met his wife of 55 years, Lydia (Jahn) while in the service they were married August 22, 1959 in Garmisch, Germany.

He is survived by his wife of the home, Lydia, his three children; Michael James Leonard of Yellville, Arkansas, Janine P. Aufdemberge of Abilene, Kansas and Mark J. Leonard and wife Grace, four Grandchildren; Clinton and Drew Kogler and Mark James and Caely Leonard.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father and Grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans, VA Hospital Bldg #24 RM 106G, 2200 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas 66622.