Russell Forbes Leonard

Russ Leonard passed away June 30th at his home in Tucson, Arizona. He was born in New Palestine, Indiana to parents Forbes and Mayme (Rouse) on February 14,1921 and was their only child. He was valedictorian of his New Palestine High School Class of 1939. Norma Ella (Taylor), his wife of 52 years, who predeceased him on 4/4/1996, was Salutatorian of the same class and they were married on 12/23/1944. Russ began attending Indiana Business College immediately that same spring while working for a private investigation firm in Indianapolis graduating in 1941. He then took an accounting position with Allison Division of General Motors Corp. the same year where he worked until his retirement in 1980. He was a veteran of World War II where he served in The Coast Guard beginning in 1942. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on a fireboat, and returned to Allison following his discharge in 1944. He attended General Motors Institute graduating in 1950. Russ was a member of The American Association of Accountants, and The Plainfield Monthly Meeting of Friends where he served as Treasurer. R. F. Leonard's first love was spending time with his family. This included taking long camping trips all over The U.S. And Canada, playing table tennis, and euchre. He was an avid reader, enjoyed 'Big Band' music, chocolate, and 4th of July Fireworks. His love of The Southwestern Desert prompted he and Norma's relocation to Tucson in 1982. Russell Forbes Leonard is survived by his loving wife Grace (Verdugo) of Tucson. They met in a bereavement class and were married 12/29/1997. His loving family includes daughters Diane Elaine Simmons (Garry) of Charlotte, N.C., Eileen Renee Leonard of Indianapolis, Michele Denise Goforth (Franklin) of Darlington, S.C., and son Gregory Taylor Leonard of Indianapolis. Russ has 6 grandchildren including Wendy Tittel (Mike), Jason Leonard, Brian Leonard, Amy Paschal, Angela Pickard (Sam), and Rachel Henley (Jason). He also was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren; Anabelle and Evelyn Tittel; Madison, Austin, Hunter, and Savannah Paschal; and Zachary and Taylor Pickard. Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Friday at Hampton-Gentry with burial following at New Palestine (IN) Cemetery.