Earl Dean Leonard

Earl Dean Leonard was born on June 12, 1933, in Jewell County, Kansas, the only son of the late Chester Earl and Dorothy Jane (Lange) Leonard. Dean passed away at the Overland Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Overland Park, Kansas, on November 22, 2008. Dean attended the Mankato schools and graduated from Mankato High School in 1951. Dean served in the Army from 1953 to 1955, where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return from military duty he began working for the Kansas Department of Transportation where he worked for 40 years until his retirement in 1995. On June 8, 1956, Dean was united in marriage to Carol Lee Dietz, and to this union two daughters were born, Marta and Jacklyn.

Dean was a life long resident of Mankato. He and Carol had just recently moved to Overland Park, Kansas to be closer to family and doctors. He was a loving husband and father. He was a hard worker and took his job responsibilities at the Kansas Department of Transportation seriously. He was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. Dean shot the first ever deer in Jewell County, Kansas, when deer hunting season was first opened in the state of Kansas. He also loved photography and “shot” many outdoor pictures of animals and scenery during his many family vacation trips. Mom and the girls spent much time watching and waiting for Dean while he got just the right angle and the right lighting for the picture even if that meant hanging over a canyon or climbing up the side of a mountain! Dean enjoyed carpentry and woodworking and completed many a construction project on his house over the years. He made many beautiful pieces of furniture; mainly those to display Carol’s crystal bell collection. Dean was a member and served as a deacon at the Mankato Christian Church and was also a life member of the V.F.W. and the N.R.A.

Dean is survived by his wife Carol (Dietz) Leonard of Overland Park, Kansas; two daughters, Mrs. Marta Murrell and husband Stanford of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Jacklyn Connolly and husband Matthew of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren, Adam Murrell of King George, Virginia, Tara (Murrell) Kasiewicz of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, and Shannon and Taylor Connolly, both of Overland Park, Kansas; five great-grandchildren, Emily, Elizabeth and Luke Murrell of King George, Virginia, and Rylee Murrell and Jacob Kasiewicz of Leechburg, Pennsylvania.

Funeral Services for Earl Dean Leonard were held Friday, November 28, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. from the Mankato Christian Church, with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle officiating. Music was provided by Ruth Clegg, organist, and Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle, vocalist. Pall bearers were: Frank Railsback, Rodney Howard, Roger Lindberg, Jerry Richecky, Adam Murrell, and Taylor Connolly. Interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Memorials may be made to Mankato Christian Church or Donor’s choice. Melby Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.