Leonard was born in
Beaver, Oklahoma, on January 22, 1940. He received a
Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of Oklahoma in 1962 and a
Juris Doctor from the
University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1965. He was in the
United States Navy Lieutenant Commander, JAG Corps from 1965 to 1968. He was a United States Naval Reserve Lieutenant from 1968 to 1972. He was an assistant state attorney general of Oklahoma from 1969 to 1971. He was in private practice in
Oklahoma City in 1971, then in Beaver from 1971 to 1988. He was a member of the
Oklahoma Senate from 1979 to 1988. He was a minority floor leader from 1985 to 1986. He was in private practice in Oklahoma City from 1988 to 1989. He was a guest lecturer and adjunct professor,
Oklahoma City University from 1988 to 1989. He was the
United States attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma from 1989 to 1992.
Federal judicial service Leonard was nominated by President
George H. W. Bush on November 20, 1991, to a seat on the
United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma vacated by Judge
Layn R. Phillips. He was confirmed by the
United States Senate on August 11, 1992, and received his commission on August 12, 1992. He assumed
senior status on August 21, 2006. His service terminated upon his death on March 2, 2026.
Death Leonard died on March 2, 2026, at the age of 86. ==Further reading==