Albert Enon Leonard

Albert Enon Leonard, 81, of Fairborn died Monday, December 7, 2015, after a short stay in the hospital.

Albert was born August 1, 1934 in Robertsdale, Alabama to Edwin B. and Lenia (Cook) Leonard. As a child, he lived in various towns in Ohio, but resided in Fairborn for more than 70 years. He was graduated from Central High School in 1952. At seventeen years of age, he confessed Jesus as Lord and made his profession public by baptism in the Mad River, through the ministry of the Enterprise Baptist Church. His spiritual mentor, Claude Lemaster, introduced his niece Dellene Meek to Albert, and they married in 1954 at Edna Ave Free Will Baptist Church, Fairborn. Albert worked as a civilian at WPAFB for 37 years. He and Dellene raised three children. He was an ordained deacon and was actively involved in church as a Sunday School teacher, Children's Church Director, Church Camp Director, Bus Ministry Director, youth ministry leader, nursing home minister, and other ministerial positions, especially with the Little Miami Conference of Free Will Baptists. More recently, he was active at Vine Street General Baptist Church, Fairborn. He loved to sing and play the guitar, and he entertained friends and family by telling countless hunting stories involving many long-time friends. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.

Albert was preceded in death by his father and his mother, by his brothers Edwin Hale Leonard, and Lester and Joseph Elliot. He is survived by his wife Dellene, his sisters Joanna Gnegy and Edith Lewis, his daughter Diane Foutz, and his sons Mark and James Leonard. Albert leaves behind ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be at Newcomer Funeral Home—North Chapel at 4104 Needmore Road Wednesday, December 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Thursday morning, December 10, 11:00 a.m., at Vine Street General Baptist Church, 155 Vine St, Fairborn, Ohio 45324, with visitation open at 10:00. The service will be officiated by Albert's elder son Rev. Mark E. Leonard. Interment will be at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 8200 W National Rd, New Carlisle, OH 45344, and will be officiated by Albert's younger son Rev. Dr. James M. Leonard. Friends and family are all invited to join the family for a celebratory meal and a time to share reminiscences after the interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be given in honor of Albert to Vine Street General Baptist Church.