Dennis B Leonard

Dennis B. Leonard, age 73, of Hobart, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 13, 2026. Dennis was incredibly blessed and loved. Dennis was born in Gary on November 19, 1952. He met the love of his life, Camille (Kim Thomas) in high school, and they were married for 51 incredible years. Together, they had four boys: Joe (Christina Zecevich), Tom (Valerie Heuring-Leonard), Dan (Jamie), and Jason (Tara). Dennis graduated from River Forest High School in 1971, where he was an outstanding basketball and football player. Dennis then went on to play football on a scholarship at Butler, where he won the Butler Varsity Tenacity Award in 1974 and was an all-conference tight end. Dennis graduated from Butler in 1975 with a degree in Education. He worked as a history teacher, gym teacher and athletic director at River Forest High School. As a coach there, Dennis won the 1980 “Coach of the Year” award as the “winningest coach”. Later on, Dennis was an assistant basketball coach and football coach for the Hobart Brickies, winning state championships in 1991 and 1993. Upon his retirement, “Mr. Dennis” loved his job driving a school bus for the School City of Hobart, transporting both students and athletes until 2024. In life, Dennis loved warm summer days by his pool with his family and friends, he had a personified sweet tooth, and was the “Christmas King,” listening to Christmas music right after Halloween. Dennis also loved to dance at weddings, golfing, with a hole-in-one in 2017, and was an avid Chicago sports fan. Dennis is survived by his wife, four sons and seven grandchildren, Danny, Melanie, Peyton, Aidan, Camille, Henry and Maxwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Doris Arlene Leonard, sister, Karen Chontos, great-niece, Ally Bullington, and favorite dog, Thelma Lou. Dennis is survived by his brother, Jim (Lorie) Leonard, sisters, Diane Leonard, Sandy (Dan) Waldrop and Pam (Marty) Huff, numerous nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to visit with Dennis’ family at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7th St., Hobart on Tuesday, February 17 from 2-8 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 18 from 10-11a.m. followed by a memorial service. Cremation will take place at Burns Funeral Home Crematory. Per the family’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Butler Fund for Student Scholarship, or “I Am ALS.”

Dennis B Leonard

November 19, 1952 - February 13, 2026