Jeffery L Leonard, 46, of North Platte NE, departed this earthly life on Tuesday April 14, 2015 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was born May 18th 1968 to Sharen (Crow) Leonard and LaMoyne Johnston. He was later adopted by John Leonard. Jeff was the youngest of four children.
He was born with a congenital heart disease. He grew up in Cozad and Callaway Nebraska. He attended Callaway Public Schools. After graduation in 1987, Jeff moved to North Platte where he and his mom operated a successful candy route which he truly enjoyed being with people. He would spoil all those who visited with the vast array of candy bars to choose from.
Being faithfully dedicated to Christ, Jeff truly treasured reading his Bible. This all lead him to become a member of the Bethel Church in North Platte where he was baptized. Here he was blessed with compassionate lifetime friendships. It was Jeff’s true nature to be an unintentional blessing to others through his happy, kind, and courageous personality.
Jeff was best known among his friends and family for his enormous love of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was totally BIG RED from the clothes he wore to the bedroom, bathroom and car he drove. He even got his mom involved with matching Husker attire. He would mingle with many of the blackshirts at various Husker events including the annual Big Red Banquet. Jeff was also involved with Tom Osborn’s Teammates mentoring program.
As important as the Huskers were to Jeff, he would say “family and friends are more important than any game.” One of his favorite family events was to ride four wheelers. He always enjoyed playing cards and video games anytime he could.
Jeff will always be remembered for his kind heart and that he truly was a fighter when it came to his health. In spite of the enormous odds against him, Jeff would never complain. Jeff will be missed deeply by his family, neighbors and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his birth father, adopted father and grandparents.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Sharen (Crow) Leonard of North Platte, sisters Coeleen Witthuh and husband Brad of Callaway, Michelle Shaner and husband Greg of Grand Island, Cristy Leonard-Rivers and husband Larry, Jr. of Lincoln, nieces Kimberly (Witthuhn) Stump (Lawrence) of Broken Bow, Maggie Shaner of Grand Island, Leslie Shaner of Grand Island, nephew Levi Witthuhn of Las Vegas NV, and great nieces Brianna Mowrey, Addison Stump, great nephew, Kamron Mowrey all of Broken Bow. Also many aunts uncles and cousins.
A memorial has been established in his name to the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska. Please join the family in honoring Jeff with casual Husker attire.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at the Arnold Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.