Gilbert L. Leonard

Gilbert Lee Leonard (90), of Abilene, TX. passed away on January 16, 2021 in Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at North Park Baptist Church with pastors Rodney Watson and Louis Johnson officiating. A family service will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Stephens County, TX. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Gil was born in Judsonia, AR. to John Lee and Lorene Leonard on May 26, 1930. He attended school in Judsonia, AR. He married Ruby Bargsley on February 9, 1952 in Wichita Falls, TX. He retired from the US Air Force as a Chief Master Sargent after serving 24 years. He was a crew chief on KC-97s, KC-135s, and C-130s. He served in the Strategic Air Command and Air Rescue Squadrons. He was a veteran of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Cold War and Viet Nam. He was stationed at air force bases in Lockbourne, OH, Westover, MA, Thule Greenland, the Azores, Ramey PR, Robins GA, Dyess TX, Anderson Guam, Minot ND, and Cam Ranh Bay Viet Nam. After retirement, Gil and Ruby enjoyed spending time in Creed, CO fishing and making friends. Gil was well known for his knife making skills and was always giving his handmade knives to friends and family. Gil was preceded in death by his parents, sister JoAnn Pearrow and brother Jimmy Leonard. Gil is survived by wife Ruby Leonard, son David Leonard and wife Cappi of Allen, daughter Judy Brown and husband Randy of Henrietta. Grandchildren Mandy Kutscherousky, Kellie Huff, Mitchell Brown and Leslie White and nine great-grandchildren, nephews Joe and Chump Pearrow of Arkansas. Memorials may be given to Hendrick Hospice Care. The family of Gil Leonard wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Doctor Will Shudde, and the staff of Hendrick Hospice Care.