Rev. Clyde E. Leonard

Rev. Clyde E. Leonard, 88, of Jefferson City, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021 at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.  He was born July 16, 1933 in Lixville, Missouri the son of the late William and Esther (Blaylock) Leonard. 

Survivors include,

Children, Clydene Watson (Douglas) of Springfield, MO; Cheri Jones (Jim) of Bolivar, MO; Cindy Swanigan (Russ) of Jefferson City, MO

Nine Grandchildren, Jonathan Watson, Nathan Watson (Caitlin), Michael Watson (Brenna), Leah Conner (Brint), Ashton Rutherford (Kyle), Alexandra Jones, Gabriella Hanger (Wil), Abigail Greenwalt (Wyatt) and Hunter

Five Great-Grandchildren

Sister, Alta Chapman of Crystal City, MO

He was preceded in death by his first wife, C. Eileen (Parker) Leonard, they were united in marriage on October 2, 1954 and she preceded him on May 31, 2004.  He then married Mildred Gene (Marler) Leonard, they were united in marriage on June 7, 2007 and she preceded him on February 7, 2021.  Also preceding him, a brother, Jack Leonard and a granddaughter, Rebekah Watson.

Clyde pastored numerous churches in Texas and Missouri from 1952 – 1977.  He was then called to work the next 19 years as the first Director of Church Planting for the Missouri Baptist Convention where he assisted in the establishment of dozens of churches throughout the state.  After his retirement from the Convention, he served as a Transitional Pastor for the remainder of his life.  In his role as a Transitional Pastor, he provided leadership and shepherding to congregations in preparation of their calling a new pastor.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Rt. AA/Mt. Olive Road in Russellville, MO.  Funeral Service will be Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM also at Mt. Olive Church of Russellville, MO with Brother Alan Earls and Alex Earls officiating.  Burial will follow at Boss Cemetery near Salem, MO at 2:30 PM with Military Honors presented.  Masks are recommended but not required.

Memorials in his name are suggested to Feed the Children at feedthechildren.org or Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.   

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