Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Chester Ray Leonard

09/30/1941 - 11/04/2024

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Obituary For Mr. Chester Ray Leonard

Mr. Chester Ray Leonard, 83, of Mt. Hope, WV, transitioned from our physical world, Monday, November 4, 2024.

Chester was one of eleven children born to the late James and Mary Belle Leonard on September 30, 1941 in Mt. Hope, WV.

Chester attended DuBois High School until integrating into Mount Hope High School, where he graduated in 1960. He then went on to join the United States Air Force shortly after to serve the country that he loved. After his military service, Chester settled in the Los Angeles, CA area, where he met Maria E. Leonard. They eventually married in 1983, blending five children from previous marriages and adding two more girls, completing a close family unit.

Chester and Maria decided to move the family back to his hometown of Mt. Hope, WV, where he began working for the Fayette County Board of Education as a beloved bus driver, until he retired in 2002. In retirement, he continued to substitute drive the school bus as needed, along with managing his rental properties.

Chester was dedicated to his Christian faith and lived his life doing his best to live by those principles. He served as a volunteer in the Prison Ministry at the local Federal Correctional Institution for decades, where he shared his faith with members of society in their vulnerable moments. His voice not only gave comfort through his words of knowledge and wisdom, but through the gift of song while singing in church and community choirs.

Chester, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by several siblings; son, Julian Leonard and granddaughter, Dianna Ovalle.

Chester leaves to cherish and continue his loving legacy, his dedicated wife, Maria Leonard; children, Rosa Malisa (Chris) Barnes, Kathlina Maira (Hassan) Khaaliq, Stephen (Daniela) Leonard, Miguel (Marsha) Ovalle, Federico (Morena) Ovalle and the oldest, Patricia Ovalle; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-children; sisters, Kathleen Scott and Betty Salmon; brother, Bill Leonard; several nieces, nephews, a multitude of extended family and dear friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, November 15, 2024 at Outreach for Christ Christian Center 416 "G" St. Beckley with Elder Dwight Bright officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

11/15/2024

Patricia Nicholes

To the Leonard Family sending my Condolences to the Family love an Prayers. Chester was a real true loving friend he was the best friend you could have a wonderful personality an a helpful person. I know he heard those wonderful words Well Done My Faithful Servant. God Bless His Family.
11/14/2024

Jeremy Faoro

I watched Cowboy Movies, talked about the Bible, History and Aliens with Chester for hours, he was my second grandpa,
11/14/2024

Beatrice Townsell

To God be the Glory! Know that l ❤️ you however God loves you Best Minister Beatrice Townsell
11/14/2024

Baby Girl Maira

I love you the most, Daddy! 🧡 KML-K
11/14/2024

Doretha Mollett

Cousin Chester not only warmly welcomed me to the family but into his home as well. He, I and his lovely wife Maria, had a wonderful time when I visited them in Mt. Hope, WV. Additionally, I used to chat with him on the phone from time to time. My sincere and heartfelt condolences. My love to all. ❤️ Doretha Mollett
11/13/2024

Clifford & Eileen

Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Leonard family. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington
11/13/2024

Alnisha Ellington

My Great Uncle who had wisdom & knowledge that i could listen too for hours and heart of gold. His teachings are forever embedded in my spirit.His bright smile and joking nature will always be in my heart.🤍 INFINITE LOVE, Alnisha Ellington
11/12/2024

Sandra Thornton

We pray for God's peace, comfort, and courage to face the days ahead. God bless all family and friends to hold on to the fond memories in your heart forever. Mr.& Mrs. Jervis and Sandra Thornton & family
11/12/2024

Mark Hughes

I want to share my deepest condolences. This man touched so many lives and we should all strive to be a little more like Chester.
11/12/2024

Donwaygo Moore Sr

The Power of God's Word Lay comfortably Within his heart His words were Saturated With God's Love He Lived And is now With God Now Celebrate My Uncle Chester Leonard!!! By: Donwaygo R Moore Sr A grateful Nephew ❤️🙏🏿
11/12/2024

Kathleen Leonard Scott

My family we are blessed to have had Chester in our lives! His smiling image and his awesome words of faith, love, and wisdom are forever in our hearts! Thank God for his gift of love to us, he is now our beautiful treasure!!!
11/12/2024

Pauline Green

My beautiful memories with uncle Chester was our road trip to New York in 1981,it was wonderful it was five of us,then after the road trip he was off to California to see his wife he never stop talking about her love. So with a heavy heart my condolences to the family of my uncle Chester ,with love Pauline Green/Alnisha Ellington and family May God bless you all
11/11/2024

Harold Hairston

A true man of God! A man who walked and wisdom knowledge and understanding with love and humility. We loved Minister Chester Leonard, Elder Harold and sister Lisa Hairston.
11/10/2024

Wilbert & Doris McCormick

Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Leonard Family. God bless each of you.
11/10/2024

Robert and Janet Walton
11/09/2024

Larry Hoskins
11/08/2024

David Snyder

The coolest of the cool! Chester was my bus driver while in elementary school in Pax. He allowed us to act as kids do while playing the music loud for us to sing along to and enjoy. Later, I would go to school and become friends with his daughter Maira at Mount Hope. He allowed me to stay at his house for a couple days the big snow of 1998 while I had no power. I would finally be able to serve him as a veteran at the VA. It was always great to see him. He was always upbeat with enthusiasm and wanted to know about you and how things were going. Never was anything about him and what he might be going through. He will be missed by many who only have fond and positive memories of him!!
11/05/2024

Kimberly Brooks

Chester was my bus driver and a friend. He was a good Christian man and I love him and his family. The Lord received an amazing Angel. My thoughts and prayers are always with the family

Tributes

Bethany Moran sent Blessings Bouquet for Mr. Chester Ray Leonard - 11/14/2024

May our condolences bring you all comfort during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies from SWN Well Services
Jacques Lynard sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Mr. Chester Ray Leonard - 11/14/2024

My deepest condolences to my family in West Virginia. Cousin Chester was a Great man and will be missed. Love Jacques Lynard