Darrell L. Leonard (Squirrely), age 76 of Deepwater, Missouri passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at Truman Lake Manor, Lowry City, Missouri. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with burial in Deepwater Cemetery, Deepwater, Missouri. Family will receive friends one hour before the service on Sunday at the chapel. Family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or the First Christian Church of Deepwater.
Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Darrell was born August 21, 1932, the son of James Henry and Rose Ann Hurst Leonard of Deepwater, Misouri.

He served in the U. S. Air Force for four years at Barksdale Airbase in Louisiana where he was a mechanic. After leaving the service he went to work for Leonard Sand and Gravel.

On June 21, 1958 he married Deanna Sue Neil of Adrian, Missouri. They made their home in Overland Park, Kansas for 26 years where they raised four daughters.

Darrell was a member of Local 541, and was a driver for Botsford Ready Mix for 27 years. After retiring in l989 he and Deanna returned to his hometown of Deepwater. They built a home on the family property. Darrell took pride in making this property into a place where his family and friends enjoyed coming. He was a member of the Midwest Pigeon Club and enjoyed working with his birds and the competition amongst his friends. Darrell loved to fish and hunt with his grandchildren.

He was baptized in the lake on his property on June 28, 1997 and was a member of the First Christian Church of Deepwater. In 2005, Darrell had part of his lung removed, which resulted in being on constant oxygen. This did not stop him from doing the things he loved. He was still able to run his trotlines, mow, and work on his farm equipment. The family was truly blessed with the time that the Lord gave them with him. In 2008, Darrell and Deanna celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows along with their children Mike and Janet Wilson and their cousins Ronnie and Margaret Norcross who were celebrating their 25th anniversaries.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jimmie and Bob Leonard and his grandson, Joshua Rhodelander. He shared his day going into the kingdom of the Lord with his sister-in-law, Clare Mae Leonard (wife of Jimmie).

He is survived by his wife, of 50 years, Deanna; four daughters, Kay(Dean) Rhodelander, Kathy (Ron)Adkins, Janet (Mike) Wilson and Tammy (Scott) Shaver; eight grandchildren, Brian (Fallon) Adkins, Chris (Leanna) Rhodelander, Derek Adkins, Katie Wilson, Sean Shaver, Kristie Shaver, Samantha Adkins and Payton Wilson and a great granddaughter, Hunter Adkins.