Walter J. Leonard, 91, of Farmington, went home to the Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2022, passing peacefully at his residence with his wife, of 68 years, Margie, by his side.

Wally was born February 8, 1931, in Detroit, the son of Walter and Shirley (O'Rourke) Leonard. He married Mary Marjorie Judge on February 27, 1954.

He was the loving father of Michael (Cindy) Leonard, Maureen (Bill) Vegh, Kathleen (Mike) Fekety, Mark (Nancy) Leonard, Carol (David) Mitchell and Susan (Kevin) Hood; cherished grandfather of fourteen and great grandfather of nineteen. Sadly, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jonathan David Mitchell, and sister, Beverly (Ralph) Simons. He was a husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle and held each of those titles with immense pride.

Wally joined the Air Force upon graduating from Redford High School and after two years of service was honorably discharged. Within months, he met the love of his life Margie Judge at a church dance at Christ the King.

Faith and family were of highest importance to Wally. He was a faithful member of Our lady of Sorrows for over sixty years and a Knights of Columbus member since 1949. Wally was known by all for his honesty, kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, and sense of humor. His love of family, giving nature, hearty laughs, beautiful smile, and blue eyes with that special sparkle will be forever ingrained in our hearts and minds.

We will remember him as the chip and dip king, best popcorn maker ever, and chief chef of broiled holiday sausage. He was also a certified master cookie froster and taster.  Margie baked dozens of cookies for the holidays, and he would sit faithfully at the end of the table frosting cookie after cookie and making it fun for anyone who helped.

Wally loved spending time with his family at home and summers at his cottage on Crooked Lake. He was captain of his treasured pontoon boat and tour director every weekend. He patiently trained his co-captains/grandchildren on his lap as he navigated Big Crooked Lake.

Wally was a dancer extraordinaire. He met Margie at a church dance and continued dancing and entertaining all his life. Wally and Margie were showstoppers at weddings and events. Ballroom, swing, waltzes, polkas, you name it, they danced it. Even hip hop with grandchildren. We have fond memories of dancing in his living room as he taught family members to dance. He loved listening to music and singing along with his beautiful voice. Hello Dolly will always bring a smile to our faces

Wally, Dad, Papa, Uncle Wally - he was truly one of a kind and loved by so many. He will be deeply missed.

The Leonard family will receive guests on Friday, June 24th, from 4-7 pm, with a 6 pm Rosary, at Heeney Sundquist funeral home in Farmington.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 25th, 10 am (in state 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.

Interment, including military funeral honors, will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Memorial tributes are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital.