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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of Senior Master Sergeant Richard Lee
4Leonard, USAF (Ret.), who passed away on July 28, 2025; and
 
5    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard, the son of William Donald Leonard
6and Dorothy Lorein Leonard, was born in Springfield on
7December 13, 1940; and
 
8    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard served in the United States Armed
9Forces for over 27 years, beginning in the Navy for six years
10and continuing in the Air Force for 21 years; his military
11career spanned both the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and
 
12    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard was honored with numerous awards
13and decorations for his military service, including the
14Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal,
15the National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious
16Service Medal; and
 
17    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard returned to Dawson after his
18retirement, residing there with his wife, Janelle Heckwine
19Leonard, until her passing; he then moved to Brenham, Texas,
20where he resided for the remainder of his life; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard enjoyed attending car shows, going
2on drives, and taking the occasional trip to the horse track;
3and
 
4    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard led a life dedicated to service,
5family, and country; he was known for his strong character,
6quick wit, and his deep devotion to those he loved; he touched
7countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of strength,
8generosity, and patriotism; and
 
9    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard was preceded in death by his
10parents; his wife; and his siblings, Marilyn Leonard, Michael
11Leonard, Harry Leonard, and Molly Leonard Smith; and
 
12    WHEREAS, SMSgt Leonard is survived by his siblings,
13Shirley Pickel, Fred Leonard, Lee Anne Ross, and Steve
14Leonard; his children, Tammy (Pete) Hill, Ricky (Tammy)
15Leonard, Parrish "Mike" (Kami) Leonard, Charri (TJ) Jung, and
16Shane (Prissy) Leonard; his stepchildren, Sherry "SherBear"
17Gabbard, Jerry "Leroy" Howell, Harry "Chip" Howell, Mindie
18Howell, Tiffiney Prytherch, and Tony Prytherch; 23
19grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and his loyal
20companion, Wrigley; therefore, be it
 
21    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL
22ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of

 

 

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1Senior Master Sergeant Richard Lee Leonard, USAF (Ret.) and
2extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all
3who knew and loved him; and be it further
 
4    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
5presented to the family of SMSgt Leonard as an expression of
6our deepest sympathy.