Ai E. "Chief" Leonard, age 60 of Columbus, KS passed away Sunday (November 27, 2005) at 1:42 a.m. at his home with his family by his side, after a 5 year illness.

Chief was born May 23, 1945 in Picher, OK the son of Elmer Charles and Crystal D. (Grigsby) Leonard. He was general contractor of steel and concrete. He retired in 1999 due to ill health.

He married Kathy DuVall January 10, 1970 in Columbus, KS. She survives of the home.

He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969 during the Vietnam Era. Military Training: NCO Academy-CBR School. Technical training on turbine engines-Northern warfare training(Alaska). Army Aviation School CH-21 Shawnee/uh-1 Huey Helicopers. Hand to Hand combat instructor.

He was a major factor in getting the High School Baseball program started in Columbus, KS and was a youth baseball coach for a number of years in Columbus, KS and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Memberships include American Legion, VFW, he was one of the founders of the Community Field Board all of Columbus, KS and the local Ducks Unlimited and the Quail Unlimited Programs.

Survivors include a son Ai Shane Leonard of Columbus, KS; a daughter LeAnn Reeves of Columbus, KS; one sister Gertrude Rife of Carl Junction, MO. Five grandchilren: Coty Allen Boyd, Ai Chase Leonard, Dylan Lee Boyd, Nykia Kay Boyd and Maiah Maxine Leonard all of Columbus, KS.

Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday November 30, 2005 at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus, KS with the Reverend Dennis Johnson and the Chief Floyd Leonard. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in R. Chetopa, KS, with the Amerian Legion Funeral Detail of Miami, OK and Miami Tribe Indian Rites. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Simpson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Am. Lung Assoc. and may be left at or mailed to the Simpson Funeral Home 323 S. Kansas Ave. Columbus, KS 66725