William A. “Bill” Leonard, age 83, of Biggsville, Illinois; passed away at his residence on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 9:41 am. Bill was born on November 2, 1940 in Thornburg, Iowa and is the son of Charles Alfred and Vida Louise McClure Leonard. He was raised in Burlington, Iowa and they moved to Biggsville in 1951, where he attended and graduated from Biggsville High School in the class of 1958. Bill honorably served his Country in the United States Navy.
Bill married Emily Jean Myers on July 21, 1962 in Burlington, Iowa and she is surviving him. Bill first worked as a Mechanic’s Helper for Sweet Motor Freight in Chicago, Illinois between 1959 to 1966. He then was employed by Amiral/Maytag in Galesburg between 1966 to 1996 and his retirement. Bill loved to read and read well used paper backs most of the time. He also was the sexton of Biggsville Cemetery for a number of years and formerly attended Biggsville United Presbyterian and more recently he and she have attended First Christian Church in Monmouth. Bill was Scout Master of Biggsville Troop 60 and formerly was Master of the Oquawka Masonic Lodge #123 A.F. & A.M.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jeanie Leonard of Biggsville, Illinois and two sons, David Leonard and Crystal of Quincy, Illinois and Timmy Leonard of Biggsville, Illinois. There is on granddaughter, Jade Leonard. Bill’s brothers survive, Cliff Leonard of Blythe, California and Lee Leonard of Saybrook, Illinois. His sister in laws survive, Evelyn Link of Oquawka, Illinois and Mary Dillon of Jacksonville, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Patricia and Julia, and two brothers, Alfred and Kendal.
A funeral service is planned on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, at 11:00 am. His family plans visitation and will receive their friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be following at the Biggsville Cemetery in Biggsville. A memorial fund is planned for Western Illinois Animal Rescue of Monmouth. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
