Richard James Leonard

Richard James Leonard

August 29, 1935 – August 14, 2025

Richard James Leonard passed away peacefully at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 14, 2025, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday. In the days leading up to his passing, he was surrounded by family both in person and virtually, creating tender moments of farewell and expressions of love.

Richard was born on August 29, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clair and Blanche Leonard. He spent his formative years in Provo, Utah, where he was known as “Jimmy.” He attended Provo High School and was well-known among his peers, serving as a cheerleader and actively participating in school life.

Following graduation, Richard felt a strong sense of duty and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served honorably as a yeoman, often referred to as the ship captain’s “talker.” After completing his military service, he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, where he labored in proselyting and mission leadership roles.

Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Utah. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Sharley Virginia Higginbotham, at a church service in Salt Lake City. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1961 and started their life together.

Richard began his professional career with Sears & Roebuck in Northern California, where he rose to the position of assistant store manager. He later transitioned to a managerial role at Fashion Fabrics. He and Sharley had three children—Michael, Randy, and Monica—and made their home in San Ramon, California, a place they cherished deeply.

In 1972, the family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Richard pursued a career in real estate development. Over the following decades, he worked as a stockbroker, a home builder, and an owner of two businesses. He partnered with his wife and employed his children in his business ventures and enjoyed playing golf and tennis.

Richard served for more than 20 years as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple. He also served in a church-related capacity at the Utah State Prison where he met and counseled with inmates. Upon retirement, he and Sharley moved to Las Vegas to be closer to their son and grandson, where they spent over a decade together.

Richard was a lifelong learner, he spent hours writing, and enjoyed travel with his family. He embraced his self-proclaimed role as a contrarian, often offering alternative perspectives.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Sharley; his children Michael (Lisa) Leonard, Randy Leonard, and Monica (Dan) Bachman; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lynette (Doug) Leonard. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Richard on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 am. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7401 Smoke Ranch Road, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Friends and family are invited to share memories and well wishes here.