Michael Gilbert Leonard
March 1, 1959 ~ January 28, 2023
Mike Leonard was born March 1, 1959 in Decatur, Illinois, the fifth child of Donald G. and Dolores D. Leonard; he passed away at age 63 on Saturday, January 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mike is survived by his son, Jay (Lisa) Schroeder; grandchildren, Kade, Kale, Blane and Lilly; siblings, Kathy (John) Loiacono, Sondy Garvey, Jenny (Randy) Tohill, Donna Roberts and Jeff (Ronnie) Leonard. As a young man, Mike founded and operated a construction company before settling into a lengthy career in the aerospace/aviation industry. A man of diverse interests and talents, he will best be remembered as the true Cowboy he was - a formidable team roper, nationally recognized Cowboy Poet, and proprietor of Magoo’s Tack and Tradin’ Post. Diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis in the prime of his life, Mike persevered and continued to ride and rope, long after others would have given up, by using rubber bands to hold his boots in the stirrups. When he finally could no longer compete, he kept involved through his tack shop and performing his Cowboy poetry.
Although he suffered greatly for most of his life, Mike endured the pain and indignities with grace. Mike loved God and the way he lived his life testifies to that. Mike was a loving and supportive father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He is sorely missed by his family and innumerable friends.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, February 3, 2023, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church 7901 W. 21st Street North, Wichita, KS 67205. A memorial has been established with: Walton, Kansas Volunteer Fire Department c/o Walton City Building, P. O. Box 200, 122 Main St., Walton, KS 67151. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.
Funeral Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Now" below.
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There was never a man
who didn’t think twice
About what he was to be
for when he shone bright
He would use all his might
and journey for all to see
And do all he might
in the end was til dawn
That the sun might come up in the night
for no matter the toil
In the end was fair game
if he said “I would see all you the morrow!”