Jack Sears Leonard's Obituary
Jack Sears Leonard passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was born March 28th, 1937 to the late Oscar and Vivian Leonard. He attended Marine City High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and a love of drawing. He graduated with the class of 1955.
After graduation, Jack proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his time aboard aircraft carriers. Jack also did some boxing while in the Navy. Upon returning from serving his country, Jack worked at Chris Craft in Algonac. He later went on to be employed by Detroit Edison, and worked at the St. Clair Power plant until he retired in 1999. While at Detroit Edison Jack taught First Aid and CPR classes to fellow employees. He was also involved in some Archery competitions, and shift softball games during his employment.
Jack loved his family, and enjoyed many years of camping trips around Michigan. He always said, " there's plenty to see right here in Michigan" and he truly enjoyed showing his kids all the different things to see. It was nothing for Jack to stop and pull off the road just to get pictures of his kids by a roadside waterfall. Jack enjoyed any time he could outside, whether it be an impromptu softball game, hunting, camping, tubing on the AuSable, motorcycle trips, or even an annual fishing trip with great friends. Jack was always happy just to sit around a bon fire and hangout, or get a good game of euchre going. He enjoyed shooting Shuffleboard, and shot for the Broadway Bar in Marine City back in the day. He was a lifelong member of St. Clair Hunt and Fish club, where he often taught Hunter Safety courses to upcoming young hunters. He was also a lifelong member in the National Rifle Association. Besides hunting, Jack had a love of photographing wildlife and nature. He may not have always brought home his deer, but he could show you pictures of the ones that got away. Jack's favorite family activity was his annual family Christmas eve party. He truly enjoyed the smiles on his Grandchildren and Great grandchildren’s faces when Santa would arrive.
Jack's family was everything to him, and he was everything to them. He is survived by his girls, Jacque White, Sue Leonard, Debbie (Randy) Lumley, Sue (John) Kerby, Tracy (Bernie) Osterland, Kathy (Denny) Uppleger, Nick (Cindy) Schnepp, and Vicki Smith, his Sister Judy Lester, Sister-in-law Linda Leonard, as well as many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 wives, Doris (Beier) Leonard of 18 years, Karen (Schnepp) Leonard of 28 years, and Betty (Campbell) Leonard of 1 year. He was also preceded in death by his Son, Neil Sears Leonard, Son in law, Mike White, his brother, Ron Leonard, and Brother-in-law Mickey Lester.
A special thank you to Jack's Caregivers, Christina Trahan, Kim Vernier, Julie Austin and Lisa Zeller.
A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, August 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visiting hours are Tuesday, August 5th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Military honors will take place following the service at Woodlawn Cemetery, Marine City, where Jack will be laid to rest. Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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