Robert "Bob" Gary Leonard

In Loving Memory of Robert "Bob" Gary Leonard

A cherished resident of Ava, Missouri, and a friend to all he met, Robert "Bob" Gary Leonard, passed into eternal rest on January 14, 2026, at his beloved farm. He was 79 years old.

Born in Sayre, Oklahoma, on June 11, 1946, Bob's life was rooted in the heartland, beginning with his formative years on a dairy farm just outside of Ava. This early life instilled in him a profound connection to the land and a work ethic that would define his journey. After graduating from Ava High School in 1964, he pursued higher education, first at the College of the Ozarks and then earning a degree in accounting from Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU).

Bob’s professional life was a testament to his adaptability and skill as a man who worked with his hands. Known for the exceptional quality of his work, he navigated a diverse career path that saw him apply his mind as an insurance adjuster, his grit in the demanding oil fields, and his strength as a steel worker. This journey ultimately led him to a distinguished 22-year career with Procter and Gamble, making powder washing detergent in the Alexandria, Louisiana, plant until his retirement.

In retirement, Bob returned to his lifelong passion for farming. His life was guided by a steadfast Christian faith; he was a devoted member of Ava's Church of Christ, where he found great joy, fellowship, and a church family that he loved dearly.

More than anything, Bob possessed a rare and genuine warmth. To him, there were no strangers, only friends he hadn't yet made. He had an insatiable curiosity about people and the world, and his ability to connect with everyone he encountered was a true gift. He was a wellspring of knowledge, a man you could turn to for wisdom on nearly any subject, and his kindness was felt by all.

He leaves behind a legacy not of buildings or fortunes, but of faith, hard work, and the countless lives he touched with his generous spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Billie Leonard. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his two sons, Jeremy and Zach; his Daughter-in-Law, Jenna; his cherished grandchildren, Isabella, Gabriel, and Anastyn; and his dear siblings, Bill Leonard, Tom Leonard, Kathy Victor, Steve Leonard, and Mary Hamilton.

Bob was truly a one-of-a-kind man who has left a lasting and loving impression on everyone he knew. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and the community he so cherished.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the Ava Church of Christ, 707 Collins Ave., Ava, MO. Officiating will be Joe Corum. Per Bob’s wishes cremation services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.