January 21, 1934 ~ June 22, 2024
Jefferson “JL” Leonard at the age of 90, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, with his family by his side. Born in New Orleans, LA on January 21, 1934.
JL was a longtime resident of Zachary, LA. supporting the growth and development of the city. He served on the Zachary Municipal Civil Service Board. He contributed his time and resources to enhance Zachary High School, Zachary City historic district and many other contributions. JL was quite the athlete, as he enjoyed playing Football, Fast Pitch Soft Ball and Track & Field and excelled in all. He was a very generous and compassionate man, always helping those in need. Whether he was bringing someone to a doctors’ appointment, or making sure each family had a Thanksgiving meal on the table, his nature was to help others. He was known by the kids in the neighborhood as “The Peppermint Man”, always having peppermints in hand to hand out.
JL went to work at Cal Metal Pipe, known now as Stupp Corporation, in 1957. He had a successful career, starting out as a helper and moving up the ranks to Senior Vice President, before retiring in 1999 after 42 years of service. JL was committed to Stupp Corporation and the Stupp family. He loved and treated Stupp like it was his own. He brought passion, commitment, and leadership to all his colleagues and associates.
JL was much loved, and will be greatly missed by all, but especially by his loving wife of 33 years, Bridget Leonard. JL is survived by his wife Bridget, five children, Deborah Muse (Wayne), Dianne Tidwell (Eddie), Jeff Leonard (Valerie), Jessica Valenti (Dominick) and Tina Morgan. Eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. JL is preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson Davis Leonard and Mayo Lang Brumfield, and his sister, Bernice Martin.
A private service will be held for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, for Parkinson’s Research.
5 comments
Vince Giaccone
July 6, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Peace be with you Bridget, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Leonard Family. May the moments you shared grant you comfort and peace. God Bless, Uncle Vince and Aunt Rhenda
Emily
July 4, 2024 at 3:44 am
His desire to help others was always apparent, during our conversations at Moreau Spectrum. His generous nature and humor will be missed in the Zachary community. Praying for your family.
Sandra Wicker
June 29, 2024 at 9:04 pm
J L was a joy to know. We were coffee buddies at Spectrum. Always with a joke and eager to help anyone in need. When we flooded he and Bridget brought us a Jambalaya supper. Prayers for his family.
Robert E Douglas
June 28, 2024 at 5:15 pm
I learned so much about JL from Bridget. He was indeed the love of her life. Rest in Heavenly peace. Praying for Bridget and the family .
Mark W Verbois
June 28, 2024 at 4:59 pm
JL, I always loved and enjoyed spending time with the Leonard & Schwartzenburg families for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations over the years. He was fun loving, compassionate & funny. Always willing to give, help, or offer advice. He was a fabulous man, husband, father & friend. He will definitely be missed by all that knew him. Rest in Peace Mr JL and my prayers are with the family.