Paul Stephan Leonard Sr.

Paul Stephan Leonard passed away peacefully on February 21st surrounded by his loving family. To all who knew Steve – or “Mr. Steve” as so many called him – he was a witty, extraordinarily talented, big-hearted man.

Steve was born in Thomasville, NC to Paul Madison Leonard and Dorothy Hazel Deaton on February 3, 1936. His childhood in North Carolina was replete with evidence of his avid interests in all things aviation and design.

Steve proudly served his country in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles. Following his service, he entered Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design. His early career garnered consistent praise for high end modern furnishings, earning him mention in New Yorker Magazine’s Talk of the Town. Later in his career, he transitioned to boat and yacht design, designing for Hatteras, Chris*Craft, Wellcraft, Renken, and others. Newspaper articles often mentioned his “boyish smile”, a smile he kept with him throughout his life.

On May 22, 1982, Steve married the love of his life, Glenda Slack. The two were to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary this year. Steve and Glenda are members of First Baptist Church, Bradenton, FL, serving there together since the early 1980s. This is where Steve began to be known as Mr. Steve to the countless children he taught in Sunday School and Awana for well more than a decade. It is true to say that his years of service at First Baptist meant the world to him.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Glenda Slack Leonard, son Steve Jr., daughter Ashley Danielson (Jim), son Colin Leonard, sisters Jane Garrett and Dotti Sechrist (Dick Lumley), grandsons Zachary Leonard and Jacob Leonard, and numerous nieces, nephews, and honorary family members.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 23 at Shannon Funeral Home, 5610 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton. Funeral services will take place 2PM on Saturday, February 24 at First Baptist Church Chapel, 1306 Manatee Avenue West.

It is a testament to his faithful friendship that among those who mourn his passing are friends with whom he has maintained steady contact since elementary school. Services and interment will take place at Westminster Gardens in Greensboro, NC on Saturday March 3rd. Arrangements are in progress and will be announced.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Salvation Army, PO Box 2792, Sarasota, FL 34230.