Jerry Ray "JR" Leonard of Bella Vista died Saturday April 27, 2024, of COPD complicated by acute pneumonia.

Jerry was born March 15, 1941, in Perry, Iowa to Carl and June (Higgins) Leonard. They lived in Jamaica, IA and Woodward, IA where he went on to graduate high school. He left the farm for early entry into the Marine Corps at 17. He was stationed in Sioux City, Kansas City, Oahu, Okinawa, and Vietnam. He served actively for 11 years, and a lifelong patriot of our nation emerged.

In 1969 JR settled in the Homestead of Granger, IA with his wife, Kay (Menough) where they raised 3 kids, made lifelong friendships and was an active member of  Assumption Church, Parish Council, and Cursillo teams.

In 1984 Jerry remarried Viola (Hilton) and lived in West Des Moines. They retired to Bella Vista, AR in 2002 to enjoy the milder winters, golfing, and the many new friendships they created. He was active at their church Highlands Methodist. Jerry stayed on in BV following Vi's passing in 2014.

JR re-acquainted with decades old friend Jackie (Sievert/Schram) and they married in 2018. She kept him on his toes and brought joy to the final chapter of his life.

He loved to entertain friends and family. He always had a smile for you and likely a joke. He was kind, generous and loved to splurge on life's finer things- from new cars to the best caramels the internet could find. Amazon is missing their best customer! He was involved with many charities like Habitat for Humanity, prostate cancer research, and lent a hand with the church's men's group activities. Poker with the guys, game night with his and Jackie's friends, visits from his grandkids and "GGsons" always gave him something to look forward to. While his COPD and being tethered to his oxygen limited his activity, he stayed sharp and engaged. He kept his smile, witty, loyal, and "Semper Fi" until the end.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Earl and Gene; his son, Scott; and his daughter, Cathy.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; his daughter, Patty of Hiawatha, IA; his grandchildren, Samantha, Ryan, Taylor, Eric, Maureen, John, Jenna and Jacob; and great grandchildren, Scott, Spencer, Lyle, Stella, and Oliver.

A visitation will be at the Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72715 on Friday May 10th from 4-7 p.m. Inurnment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter A visitation will be at the Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72715 on Friday May 10th from 4-7 p.m. Inurnment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter on June 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Arrangements are made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory where online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.