Fred Leonard, 79, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on July 2, 2023.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Luke and Mary Leonard. He graduated from high school in Wauwatosa, Wisc., and from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1970 with a degree in Political Science. While working at the Wauwatosa YMCA he met and married Kay Fuerbringer on December 10, 1966.
Fred’s career with the YMCA spanned five states and 39 years, finally retiring in 2004. He was the YMCA Executive Director in Mexico, Mo., from 1984-1995. During his life, he dedicated his time to public service, volunteering for numerous community organizations, including Y’s Men International, where he served as US Area President from 2007-2009. During this time, he travelled to six different countries.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Kay and their four daughters, Jenny, Kim, Leslie and Dana; brother Dale Leonard (Kay Lynn), brother-in-law Mike Gray and sister-in-law Chris Abresch (Dave). Fred was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren.
Visitation is Friday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark., and a funeral mass at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs, Ark., on Saturday, July 8. Private internment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local YMCA or St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church.
