Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Colonel Ronald R. Leonard (United States Army, Retired), 86, of McLean passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Vinson Hall Retirement Community. He was born to Eugene and Freda Leonard on October 13, 1937 in Roseburg, Oregon.  He grew up in western Kansas.

Ron was an accomplished student athlete.  He was a three sport athlete (football, baseball and spring track) in high school in Quinter, KS.  Kansas State offered him a partial scholarship to play baseball, and he ultimately received a full scholarship to play football there.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fort Hayes Kansas State College.  In 1976, he received a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas.  Later in life, aside from the physical demands of the military, he ran several Marine Corps Marathons and many Army Ten-Milers.

Ron’s life was guided by his love of family and country.  He briefly taught science in high school in Kansas City, KS.  He then began a 28 year career in the military.  After two years in the Air Force, he transferred into the Army to begin his life as an airborne infantry Ranger.

During his first tour in Vietnam (1967-68), as a company commander of B Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry, 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions during the battle of Dak To on Hill 875.

He was a member of the cadre at the jungle phase of Army Ranger School in Florida.  While there Ron met Dabney Delaney on a blind date, and married her in 1969.  Ron’s second tour in Vietnam was as a District Senior Advisor in Binh Dinh Province.  Subsequent assignments included being the S3 (Operations and Training), 1st Battalion, 504th Airborne Infantry, at Fort Bragg, NC.  He spent time at the Pentagon, HQ DA, during the Iran hostage crisis.  Ron’s prowess as a leader really shined when he commanded troops.  Outside of his tours in Vietnam, the highlight of his career was commanding the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea.  Other posts included Fort Leavenworth, KS; Carlisle Barracks, PA; Fort Stewart, GA; and Fort Monroe, VA.

In 2018, family and friends gathered at Fort Benning, GA, to honor Ron when he was inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

Above all, was the love Ron had for his wife and children.  He was a wonderful father and husband.  When he was not away, he was home, present and involved.  He participated in all things sports and school related.  Coaching his children’s soccer teams was a favorite past time for years, and he never missed an opportunity to spectate at school or sporting events where his children participated.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Dabney D. Leonard; his children, Kathryn Friedman (Howard), Matthew Leonard (Ashley) and Jennifer Adcock (Phil), his grandchildren, David Friedman, Max Friedman, Jack Friedman, Quinn Leonard, Maren Leonard, Delen Leonard, Christopher Burgess and Rebekah Burgess.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Leonard and his grandson, Clark Burgess.  A funeral service will be held at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Meyer, with burial following in Arlington National Cemetery, at a date and time to be assigned by Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Military Awards:  Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star with “V” Device, 2 Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal, Air Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Staff Identification Badge.

Military Education:  National War College-1987, Army War College-1983, Command and General Staff College-1976, Infantry Officer Advanced Course-1971, District Senior Advanced Course-1971, Ranger Course-1967, Infantry Officer Basic Course-1966.