William Franklin Leonard

William Franklin Leonard, 82, of Delmar, passed away at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, Salisbury, after a very lengthy illness and surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Born on Tilghman Island, he was the oldest son of the late William T. Leonard and R. Bernice (Sweitzer) Leonard of St. Michaels. He proudly served in the United States Navy from March 1954 thru December 1963 serving aboard aircraft carriers Valley Forge and Intrepid as well as test facilities for launching/recovery of aircraft. He was maintenance supervisor for several years at Ralston Purina and Red White Mills, construction supervisor at O.A. Newton and hotel maintenance for several hotel properties. He was an active member and past commander of VFW Posts 8276 and 194, prior to his illness. He was a member of Forest Grove –Salisbury Old School Baptist Church, Parsonsburg, and enjoyed being with his church family. He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Helen Jean (Taylor) Leonard; daughters, Teresa (Terri) King (Dick Baker), Susan J. Disharoon (Vic); sons Gary W. Leonard (Dawn), John E. Leonard (Nancy Lamb); grandchildren, Nichole M. Comba, Taylor (Ty) Leonard (Jennifer), Jennifer L. King, Krista Haley Tallent (Joey), Megan L. Hughes; great grandchildren, Shawn Bennett, Abrielle Leonard, Andrew Hughes, Jr, Landon Tallent and Weston Leonard; a brother, Albert E. “Bud” Leonard (Christine) of West Chester, PA; sister-in-law, Teresa S. Leonard of Easton; nieces and nephews; several aunts and a special uncle, Jerry Leonard of St. Michaels. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Arline Schultz and a brother, Larry D. Leonard. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street in Delmar. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm and also one hour prior to the service on Friday. Elder Elbert M. Robbins will officiate. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Delmar Fire Department Ambulance, PO Box 84, Delmar, DE 19940; Forest Grove-Salisbury Old School Baptist Church, c/o Marietta Robbins, PO Box 4092, Salisbury, MD 21803; or Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

William Franklin Leonard

October 25, 1935 - April 7, 2018