Robert “Bob” W. Leonard

Robert “Bob” Leonard, 91, passed away July 3 at Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis Missouri. He was lovingly surrounded by family.   

Bob was born December 2, 1931, in Johnson County, Indiana to George and Bernice (Utterback) Leonard. He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary, his two daughters Kathy (Robert) Ernst of Florissant, Rebecca (Paul) Farquhar of Overland Park, Kansas, Grandchildren Zachary (Jordan) Ernst of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Adrienne Ernst of Rome, Georgia, Elizabeth Farquhar of Shawnee, Kansas, Caelyn Farquhar of Olathe, Kansas and sister Sandy Leonard of Nineveh, Indiana.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, and siblings: Walter Leonard, Wilma Jean Carey, Harry Leonard, Glenda Leonard, Leona Margret Smith, and Letha Ramey.

Bob was a 1951 graduate of Nineveh High School.  In 1953 he enlisted in the Air Force on February 2nd, on June 27th he married the love of his life Rosemary Waltz and on July 3rd he became a mason. During his time in the Air Force, he was part of the Security Police.  By the time he retired he was teaching police procedures and worked with customs at Kansas City International Airport. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob and his wife Rosemary built a small and successful janitorial service in Belton, Missouri.  After retiring from the janitorial business Bob and Rose moved to the family condo at Lake of the Ozarks. 

Living on “lake time” suited Bob and Rose. He enjoyed boating, grilling steaks on the deck, watching the sun reflected on the water and the variety of boats passing through “his backyard”. 

Lake life allowed plenty of time for traveling to see family, friends, and lots of places in between.  Vacations with kids and grandkids included Texas, California, Florida, Alaska and Branson, Missouri.  

Bob was a devoted and loving dad and grandad. In his life he overcame many challenges and celebrated his resilience and success. He had a never-ending curiosity, a joy for life, and many dear friendships. The best times were family get togethers whether it was a holiday, vacations, or just chillin’ at the lake. Bob lived to take care of those he loved. He taught us the value of family, hard work, and perseverance.  He will be sorely missed but his love and courage will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

Services: Visitation will be Sunday July 9, 2023 in the Great Hall of Ambruster Chapel from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Funeral Services will follow at 6:00 pm.  Kirkwood Chapter Masons, 5:55 pm Sunday, Masonic Funeral Rites. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund or the American Cancer Society.

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Bob here on his Memorial page. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos, please click on the following link: Photo album

To view Memorial video, please click on the following link: Memorial video

Please click on the following link to view service at Jefferson Barracks: Service at Jefferson Barracks