Daniel C. Leonard

Daniel C. Leonard, 62, Kansas City, MO, passed away April 16, 2026 at 10:15 pm. He was a caring, loving, thoughtful soul, that always had a smile and laugh that was contagious.

Daniel was born in Bethesda, MD on June, 14, 1963. He spent his schooling years in El Dorado Springs, MO, Harrisonville, MO, and graduated from Van Horn High School in Independence, MO.

His career path took him to the US Navy where he became an E4 Boiler Tech, and upon leaving the US Navy he worked in the Kansas City Public School District as a Boiler Tech. He enjoyed living a carefree life and was delighted to live every day to its fullest. His departure has left all his friends and family with a huge hole that will forever be empty. He relished all opportunities to help others, and he will be missed by everyone, fortunate enough to have known and shared time with him.

His mother, Anna Mae (Nester) Leonard, father, Daniel Kendall, and sister, Marian “Carolyn” (Leonard) Martin preceded him in death, and he is survived by his stepfather, Jerl Junior Leonard of El Dorado Springs, MO.  He is also survived by his siblings, Gillis Leonard and fiancé Jill Whitehead of Columbia, MO, Lana McIntosh and husband, Roger McIntosh of Camdenton, Edna DeFreece and husband, Chris DeFreece of Kansas City, MO, Jeri Mills and husband, Link Mills of Oak Grove, MO, and five nieces and four nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO  64029.