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Memories & Candles

“I only had the privilege of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Leonard once during the opening of the Marcom building back in ’95 I think. They were friendly,...Read More »
1 of 11 | Posted by: Jay Diersing - Cincinnati, OH

“So sorry to hear about Don's passing. I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to you. Will be keeping you in our prayers. Take Care - Karla ”
2 of 11 | Posted by: Karla Pendleton Evans - Arlington, WA

“2/11/10 PM Well, All I can say is that the powers that 'be' want to keep Dallas as it is and not let anyone come to the city. As much as we tried,...Read More »
3 of 11 | Posted by: Casey - cincinnati, OH

“Dr. Leonard provided strength and guidence to me many times throughout my career at PVN from beginning to end. He even peformed the marriage ceromony...Read More »
4 of 11 | Posted by: Rusty Clevenger - Dallas, UT

“My deepest sympathy, Ann and Don. He will be missed by many. I remember getting emails with some very interesting things, events or 'believe it or...Read More »
5 of 11 | Posted by: Cssey Diersing - Cincinnati, OH

“Don, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dolores and Tom, Lisa and Tim, Linda and...Read More »
6 of 11 | Posted by: Tom Olberding Family - OH

“Your dad and I shared laughs of joy, moments of pain and tears of happiness. We earned care and understanding as well as a place in the heart of one...Read More »
7 of 11 | Posted by: Sandy Janosek - Dallas, TX

“When I first met Don, he was editor of the Bugle and I volunteered to "help" with the typing...I was the only typist and he scared me to death...my...Read More »
8 of 11 | Posted by: Betty Canty - Sanger, TX

“I'll always remember Don as a caring friend and resident here at PVN. He had a good since of humor and used the computer to share anything humorous...Read More »
9 of 11 | Posted by: Raymond Burklin - Dallas, TX

“They say there is no indispensible man, but one just left this earth to give more light to heaven. The residents of PVN will never be able to replace...Read More »
10 of 11 | Posted by: Pat Tharp - Dallas, TX

“Dear Don and Carolyn, I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. He was a dear soul in so many ways. His descriptions of the previous year in his...Read More »
11 of 11 | Posted by: Jan AufderHeide - Kalamazoo, MI


Dr. Donald Leonard entered the Church Triumphant on February 7, 2010. Born September 3, 1915 to John Calvin and Goldie Lee Leonard in New Salem, N.D. Grew up in small towns in Illinois before moving to Philadelphia. Attended High School in St. Louis. Graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, McCormick Theological Seminary, Texas Christian and Yale University. Ordained to Presbyterian Ministry in 1940. Taught at Texas Christian University and Lewis and Clark College, and served churches in Texas, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon before being called to the National offices of the Presbyterian Church, where he served for 29 years. Upon retirement moved to Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, TX. There he established the Presbyterian Village North Foundation and its Chautauqua Program, and served in numerous volunteer activities.

His volunteer activities include: conceiving, developing, and establishing the Presbyterian Village North Foundation , serving as Chairman on Board of Trustees, Executive Director (CEO), and an Honorary Member; Village Council of Presbyterian Village North serving as President (1983-83;1984-85), Chairman on Safety and Security Committee, Chairman on Communications Committee (twice), Member of the Spiritual Committee, Member of the Nominating Committee, and Dining Room Announcer (8 years); The Village Bugle, serving as Staff Member (1982-Jan 1999), Photographer, Editor (Nov 1986-April 1988 as Chairman of Communications Committee; Sept 1997-1999); Vesper Preacher; Vesper Liturgist; Committee on Auditorium and Library Lighting, where he ordered and supervised installation of new lighting fixtures and dimming system in auditorium and library; developed specifications, ordered equipment and supervised installation of new PA system in auditorium; developed specifications, ordered equipment, and supervised installation of infra-red hearing air system in auditorium; with Bill Knight, developed plan and installed PA system in library; Chairman on the Committee to recommend new mail room; member and consultant in PVN Computer Club; visitor in Health Unit; Chairman of Planning Committee for Presbyterian Village North 5th, 10th, and 20th Anniversary celebrations; and Curator of Presbyterian Village North.

His wife of over 60 years, Ruth Eleanor Pendleton, predeceased him in May, 2001.

Survived by son, Donald Jr. and his companion, Ann Diersing of Media, PA; daughter, Carolyn Weiss and husband Ronald of Pittsburgh, PA; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Presbyterian Village North Foundation, 8600 Skyline Drive, Dallas, TX.