Sublette - Floyd Junior Leonard was born in Garden City, Kansas on October 27, 1929, to Floyd William and Mary Berenece Leonard.

His early years were spent north of Sublette where he attended Ivanhoe country school.  He made his acting debut as Uncle Sam in the school play when he was 11.  Eventually the family settled in their home south of Sublette where his parents lived for many years.  Junior, his brother, Dale, and sister, LaVelle finished their school days in Sublette.  Junior was active in 4H, showing his steer, and participated in Dramatics, Basketball, Football, Track, and Baseball in High School.  He loved animals, considering a career as a veterinarian, but the farm and love for the land won out.  He graduated high school in 1947 and went on to earn a degree from Kansas State University in Agriculture. While at K-State, Junior was on the boxing team.

He met Phyllis Jean Hoskinson, a Copeland native, in high school and they married in 1949.  Upon college graduation they moved into their home 4 miles south of Sublette where they lived for 65 years.  Lynn joined the family in 1951, followed by Larry in 1956, and Susie in 1958. Junior's passions were farming and his family.

He received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award and served on the Coop Board, Sublette School Board, and the Christian Church Elder Board for many years.  He and Phyllis were active members of the Christian Church, serving as youth leaders and whatever else was needed.

The family spent many summer vacations at Twin Lakes, Colorado, fishing, hiking, and catching chipmunks, among other things.  He loved trolling for Rainbow and Lake Trout.  Hunting with the boys, whether for birds or deer was a favorite.  He earned the reputation of shooting 7 deer during his hunting career and using only 7 bullets!

As grandchildren entered the scene, Grandpa Junior proved to be a pro. Whether it was calming a fussy baby or saddling up the horses to take the kids for a ride, all eight of them loved hanging out with him.  Many hours were spent at ballgames and music programs. Their adventures ranged from Seattle to Orlando and many places in between.  Then there were lots of weddings and ultimately 19 great grandchildren.

In their later years, Junior and Phyllis moved to Pioneer Manor in Hugoton.  Phyllis passed away in 2017 and Junior on October 2, 2023.  He was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family and those he left behind at Pioneer Manor.

He is survived by children: Lynn (Sherry) and sons, Travis, Joshua, and Matthew;  Susie (Steve) and children, Megan and Beau;  daughter-in-law, Risa (Mike) and children, Wendy, Cody, and Sarah; and 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Berenece; brother, Dale; sister, LaVelle King; wife, Phyllis; and son: Larry.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM.  Burial will follow at Haskell County Cemetery in Sublette.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Sublette Christian Church in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.