Events: Bareback Bronc Riding and Bull Riding
Leonard grew up on the family farm just outside Memphis, Texas where he learned about hard work and spirited horses. As a teenager, he and his buddies rode in “punkin rollers”- small unsanctioned rodeo out in the sticks – earning $3 – $5 a ride.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 and while in the service occasionally rode in “Wild West” type events at fairs. On being discharged from the Army, Leonard decided that rodeo competition and traveling would be a fun way to make a living. He and his brother Leon competed in some prize money rodeo and after Leonard won $14.38 on a bull he was hooked.
He traveled all over the U.S. and Canada winning or placing in bareback bronc and bull riding in several rodeos including: New York’s Madison Square Garden, San Francisco’s Cow Palace, Cheyenne, Fort Worth, Houston, and Calgary – qualifying for the NFR in 1963.
Leonard retired from competition in 1972 and began judging rodeos – including the NFR twice and went to work for RJ Reynolds touring the country and operating the Winston scoreboard. He gained a beautiful traveling partner on February 27, 1977, when he married Doris Sachs from Philadelphia at the ranch of George and Shirley Williams in Edmond, Oklahoma. Leonard retired from RJ Reynolds in 1980, after which he and Doris settled in northwest Montana and operated a cattle ranch for 10 years. After building a beautiful ranch home in Ronan they had fun operating their own bed and breakfast – named “The Timbers” – for 9 years hosting guests from all over the U.S. and several foreign countries. His beautiful Doris passed away in November 2010 and Leonard currently resides with his sister in Dallas.
Leonard will be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him for his honesty, passion and dedication to the sport of rodeo.
