Leonard McDonald

Leonard McDonald, 75, passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 8, 2024. He was born on April 22, 1949 in Laurel, MS. He was married to his beloved wife of 56 years, Edna Cummings McDonald. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melba Sue and Richard Vieira; his biological father, Levi McDonald; his sister, Janice Lovenbury; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Anna Cummings, sister-in-law, Dr. Sharon McDonald; and brother-in-law, William Devlin. He is survived his wife, Edna Cummings McDonald; daughters, Lisa Gantz-Benson (David) and Lenora Henry (Brian Jeske); grandchildren, Kayla Gantz Jamieson (Devin), Felisa McDonald (Dayshia Hopkins), Dakota Benson, Tristen Henry, Shelby Benson, and Autumn Henry (Hayden Knotts); great-grandsons, Andrew Jamieson and Perigrin Jamieson. Survivors also include Domenic Parent whom he considered an honorary son; brothers and sisters, Linda Lawrence (Raymond), Bryant McDonald, Jean Garcia (Dennis), Brent McDonald (Pam), and Lewis McDonald; brothers and sisters-in-law, James Lovenbury, Nancy Devlin, Joseph Cummings, Jr., Cheryl Pitts, and Gary Cummings, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was “Papa” to many children who loved him and maintained that love throughout their adult years. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. During his service, he was a mechanic in the motor pool while proudly serving in Korea. His love of the Lord and family never wavered. Education and his belief in the Lord was of the utmost importance in the raising of his children. He held the position of head mechanic for the city of Providence, RI for the fire, rescue, and police departments. He loved to ride his motorcycle and had a passion for riding. He belonged to the biker club named Saints in Providence, RI in which he held the position of Master of Arms. Leonard studied martial arts, particularly, Kenpo Karate, training under Grandmaster Nick Cerio, earning his first degree black belt. His class of eight were Grandmaster Nick Cerio’s first black belts. He continued and earned his second and third degree black belts in Kenpo Kabuto Karate under Grandmaster Soke Eugene R. Coutu, who was a lifelong friend. He moved back to Laurel, MS to “get back to his roots” in which he lived the last 35 years of his life. During these years, he was an active member of the local VFW, American Legion, and the Loyal Order of the Moose until his health started to waiver. He was a security guard for Howard Industries until his retirement. Family and friends are invited to pay their respect at Memory Chapel of Laurel, MS on Saturday, September 14th from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be at Memory Chapel on Sunday, September 15th at 2 pm with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, MS. Pallbearers will be David Benson, Brian Jeske, Dakota Benson, Hayden Knotts, Ray Meadows, and Domenic Parent. Honorary pallbearers will be Tristen Henry and Albert Meadows. To sign the online guest book, visit: www.memorychapellaurel.com

Leonard McDonald

April 22, 1949 - September 8, 2024