Leonard William Cherry

A man’s worth is not measured by the wealth he leaves behind, rather it is measured by the love he spread during his lifetime. “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens…” Eccl. 3:1

A Time to be Born: Leonard W. Cherry Sr., 94, was born June 17, 1928 in Camden, New Jersey, the only child ofparents Vivian Cherry and Charles Nixon Syers.

A Time to Plant: Leonard’s extended family had a great influence over his life. Especially his Aunt Sis and her husband, Uncle Lenny his name sake, with whom he spent a great deal of time with as they shared a very special bond.

Leonard was educated in the Palmray, New Jersey public school system. He loved playing football and socializing; he was Palmyra high school star quarterback and team captain.

Upon graduating he enlisted into the US Navy and furthered served in the US Air Force for 20 years. (1945-1965). He continued playing football and enjoyed traveling while in the military especially during the tour of the South Pacific. Leonard served in three wars, received numerous honors, decorations, and citations. His last assignment was working at the Pentagon in the Department of Defense IntelligenceDivision. He had a full military career retiring with 20 years of dedicated service. After retiring from the military, Leonard worked another 20 years as a bus driver and trainer for DC Transit. He was a hard worker and had good work ethics.

He had an outrageous sense of humor, bold and honest personality. He always had a good joke to tell. He would always challenge Rose to understand some of his jokes. If you weren’t with the joke, you were part of the joke. His laughter was infectious, he could make a whole room laugh and no one would even know why. He loved jazz, Nina Samone, Billy Holiday, and Miles Davis were his favorites. (Just to name a few)

A Time to Love - Leonard met the love of his life, Rose Carolyn while stationed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery Alabama. After six months of a whirlwind courtship, they were married April 7th, 1951. He was a loving husband. Their courtship was short, but their marriage was everlasting -lasting for 72 years until his passing. Agape love is what they had, unconditional never ending. From this marriage they were blessed with four children, Leonard Jr., Beverly, Val and Kurt. He loved his children and grandchildren taking them fishing and to other outings. He was loving dad, stern but full of jokes. “To know him was to love him”.

A Time to Die - He entered the eternal presence of God on January 16, 2023, at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo Maryland after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Time to Mourn – Leonard leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his loving memories, his devoted and loving wife of 72 years, Rose Carolyn Cherry; Sister in Law, Lou Towner; his children, Tommi Dean Morgan, Cassandra Menoken, Leonard W. Cherry Jr., Beverly A. Cherry, Val Cherry (Donna), Kurt Cherry (Alla), Kelly Simms; 18 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Leonard is now rejoicing in Heaven with his parents, Vivian Cherry and Charles Nixon Syers; Aunt Sis and Uncle Lenny; Brother-in-Law, Luther P. Towner that passed away on the same day- three hours apart from Leonard.