Van Leonard Jr., 83, died April 4, 2019, at Vibra Hospital in Folsom, California due to heart failure. He is survived by his wife Tokie, his son Marc and his grandchildren MJ and Mia. Van was born November 25, 1935, in Rutherford, Alabama, to Van Sr. and Rosanna Leonard. Van was the oldest of 4 children, one sister and three brothers. The family lived in Alabama during his childhood and eventually moved to New Jersey as a teenager. He loved anything "New Jersey" and loved telling people about these things.
He was a warm hearted and well liked person, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. After high school Van joined the United States Air Force, during that time he served 2 tours in the Vietnam War. During Van’s time of service, after Vietnam, he was chosen to travel the world singing in a group representing the Air Force. Their group was televised in different countries they traveled to. On November 13, 1961 Van married Tokie Kinjo at the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. They were blessed with 1 son, Marc. They were also blessed with 2 grandchildren, MJ and Mia. Van retired as a Master Sargent from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service and moved to California with his family. Van obtained his Bachelors Degree from Sacramento State University after retiring from service. He worked many years for the United States Government and well as many private corporations as an Electrical Engineer. Van and his family has spent more than 40 years in California. Van was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. Van was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Van.
A visitation for Van will be held Friday, April 26, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, California 95628. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park.
For more information or just fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountVernonMemorial.com for the Leonard family.
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