Lawrence Lyle Leonard, 84, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 30, 1935, the son of the late Loren Leonard and Alice (Lopshire) Leonard. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1954. Larry was the first fire chief in East Leroy Township in the early 1960s, serving from the late 1960s to 1975; and was instrumental in purchasing the first fire engine for township. He was bus driver for Harper Creek Schools and also worked as a construction worker. Larry worked for and retired from Kellogg's after 32 years of service and was a member of the Kellogg 25 club. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Larry also enjoyed reading, traveling and woodworking.

Larry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Paulette Lyna (Burton) Leonard; children, Janet (Bill) Lichty, Janie Balch, Danny (Traci) Balch, Jim (Stephanie) Balch, Larry (Penny) Leonard, Virginia Carrican and Joan (Mike) Findley; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; brother, Richard (Nancy) Leonard; two sisters, Ruthann (Danny) Johnson, Ilene Leonard and many many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Thursday September 5, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, on Friday, September 6, 2019, at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Larry's name may be made to Cancer Society of Battle Creek or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.