In Loving Memory of Calvin Ray Leonard, A Fallen Army Veteran
May 10, 1958 – July 3, 2025
Calvin Ray Leonard was born on May 10, 1958, in Martinez, California, to the late Cecil Leonard, Sr. and Joan Leonard. He was raised in Oakland, where he accepted Christ at an early age and attended Oakland Technical High School. He went on to pursue higher education at Oxnard College and Ventura College.
In June 1979, Calvin enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably until June 1992. During his military career, he was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, as a 94B Food Service Specialist and earned marksman status with the M-16 rifle. Calvin proudly served during the Panama Conflict (1989–1990) and the Gulf War (1990–1991), with deployments across Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other locations during Operation Desert Storm.
His dedication and service earned him numerous commendations, including the Army Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon with MUK2, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. Calvin was also photographed and recognized alongside President George H. W. Bush in the early 1980s, a moment of honor he carried with pride.
In 1983, Calvin took leave from military service following the heartbreaking loss of his son, Jhawan Leonard. During this time, he moved to Oxnard, California, where he met and later married Alicia McMahan Leonard on August 24, 1984. Together they built a loving marriage of 41 years.
After his military service, Calvin continued serving others through work in food services, education, and elder care. His career included positions with the Oxnard and Ventura Unified School Districts, Marina West Elementary School, Ventura Estates Retirement Village in Newbury Park, and several restaurants in Camarillo, including Lil Bit Country and Carrow’s.
Calvin was deeply devoted to his family and took great joy in gatherings, especially when surrounded by children. He brought humor, wisdom, and a grounded sense of compassion into every interaction always ready to offer advice, share a laugh, or lend a hand.
In his free time, Calvin enjoyed simple pleasures: watching Law & Order, spending time with loved ones, and embracing his lifelong fandom of the Las Vegas Raiders. True to who he was, Calvin lived life with faith, laughter, a cold beer, and, as he would say, a little weed. He never shied away from being himself, and that authenticity endeared him to many.
Calvin passed away on July 3, 2025, in Ventura, California. He is survived by his loving wife, Alicia Leonard; his blended family: Fernando Glaze (Lancaster, CA), Calvin Leonard II (Sacramento, CA), Joseph Thomas (Oxnard, CA), Emonte Leonard (Antioch, CA), Xavier Askew (Eutaw, AL), Chalonda Leonard (Eutaw, AL), and Leon Leonard (Eutaw, AL); and his mother, Joan Walker (Antioch, CA).
He is also survived by his siblings: Sharan Harvey (Darrell) of Oxnard, CA; Mariam Whitehead (Irven) of Antioch, CA; Sonya Leonard of Antioch, CA; Cecil Leonard Jr. (1965–2021): and Wanyee Leonard of Sacramento, CA. Calvin also counted Henry Bush of Antioch, CA as his lifelong friend as a brother.
His legacy continues through 17 beloved grandchildren, his dear friends Ronald Garcia and Harold M. Hutton, and a large extended family of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Calvin Ray Leonard will be remembered for his service, humor, and boundless love for his family. His presence, guidance, and lighthearted spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours to be held on Wednesday July 30, 2025 from 10am to 12 Noon in the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura, where Funeral Services will follow in the mortuary chapel at 12 Noon. Interment will follow with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside.