Leonard, Bob Edit page

The life of D. Robert (Bob) Leonard will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9th at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd in Grafton, WV. All friends and family are warmly invited to attend and honor Bob’s remarkable journey.

Bob was 95 years young when he passed away peacefully at Greenbriar Rehabilitation Facility in Bradenton, FL on May 5, 2025. He had most recently lived in Wilmington, NC and Palmetto, FL with his wife of 39 years, Phyllis Lantz-Leonard. He raised his family in Grafton, WV with his first wife, Hazel Pick Leonard, who preceded him in death.

Bob was a 1948 graduate of Grafton High School where he sang in the choir, was a 3-year member of the West Virginia All State Chorus, played in the band, and served as the drum major. He proudly served his country as Airman First Class in the US Air Force from 1951-1955, including time in the Korean War. Bob retired from Equitable Gas Company after 37 years of employment.

Bob was a devoted member of the Grafton community. He served on the City Hospital Board, was a charter member of the Taylor County Emergency Medical Squad, and volunteered with the Grafton Fire Department for 27 years. He also served as Vice Mayor of Grafton, held the title of Grand Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #308, and was a lifelong member of the VFW and the Lions Club. Throughout his children's school years, Bob was actively involved with the High School Band Boosters.

After his family, nearest to his heart was singing. Bob and Hazel met in a vocal class at Fairmont State and became well known for singing in harmony for numerous weddings and other special occasions throughout their years together. Bob was also a soloist and sang in the church choir starting at age 6. If you’d asked Bob in his later years what he missed most, he would have said singing in the church choir.

Bob was born in 1930 to Arlie Edward and Eileen Rhea Patton Leonard. He is survived by his children and stepchild: Dorsey R. (Bob) Leonard II and his wife, Priscilla; Bruce Leonard; Crystal Leonard Rakosky and her husband, John; Christopher Lantz and his wife, Tracey. His grandchildren are: Marlaina (Marlee) Leonard; Jake Rakosky; Taylor Rakosky-Rolaf and her husband, Alex; Savannah Lantz; and Jackson Lantz. He was beloved Great Grandtops to Rocklin and Arley. In addition to his first wife, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Richard (Rick) Leonard and his siblings, Arlie Richard (Dick) Leonard and Francis Kinsey.