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Rex Edward Leonard Obituary

Brought to you by Relyea Funeral Chapel

Rex Edward Leonard

Boise, ID

April 18, 1937 - January 20, 2021

Rex Edward Leonard Obituary


It is with great sadness that we share that Rex Edward Leonard Jr, 83, of Boise, Idaho, a retired United States Air Force veteran made his peaceful transition at his home on January 20, 2021, with the support of his loving wife Darlene and two cherished dogs.

Born April 18, 1937, in Galveston, Texas, to parents Rex Edward Sr. and Edna Lillian Leonard. The family eventually settled in Tampa, Florida. While attending Hillsborough High School, Rex joined the Florida National Guard. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served in Guam while stationed at Mountain Home Air Force base until 1959. He met and married Rufina Marie Freeman in April 1959, and Tampa, Florida would become their new home. While working as an Inspector at the Continental Can Company, alongside his stepfather Lloyd Davidson, the family welcomed sons Edward, and Vincent, and daughter Jenifer. As a father, Rex shared his love for the outdoors and appreciation of nature with his children, spending as much time as he could with them at Florida state parks and nearby beaches while fondly indulging in homemade treats at the local drive-in theater. He was especially intent on teaching them the ways of the world using a strong moral compass knowing right from wrong.

Inspired for a greater purpose, Rex enrolled at the University of South Florida, and continued to obtain advanced degrees in social work and counseling from Boise State College, following the family’s relocation back to Idaho in 1971.

Whether it was to provide transitional support services for adults with special needs, opening his own practice as a LMFT, or becoming the Director of a Traumatic Brain Injury program at a local nursing home, Rex’s professional life until retirement was all about helping others. He was most proud of his work as a Drug and Alcohol counselor during his tenure at Port of Hope. He had a passion of eastern philosophy, achieved his black belt in Aikido, and became an instructor in his spare time.

In 1995, Rex met Darlene and they married in 2005 at St John’s Cathedral. As parishioners of the church, they were devoted to a life in Christ and advocates for life.

Rex is survived by his wife Darlene, his son Edward and wife Cassandra, son Vincent, daughter Jenifer Elizabeth and husband Greg, grandchildren Greta and Julian, and many nephews/nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father Rex Leonard, Sr, mother Edna Davidson, stepfather Lloyd Davidson, younger brother Dr. Donald Leonard, half-sister Debbie Leonard and Rita Miller.

Services will held February 2, 2021, at St. John’s Cathedral, 807 N. 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, at 10:30 AM. Afterwards, his cremated remains will be laid to rest at Morris Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John's Cathedral Vocations Committee. Military honors will be recognized graveside at a later date.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Rex Edward Leonard hosted by Relyea Funeral Chapel.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Rex Edward Leonard.