Age 86, passed away at his daughter’s home on Friday, July 27, 2018 with family by his side. Leonard was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on April 12, 1932, the son of the late Sterling Russell and Margaret (Metheny) Ellis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia (Wilkins) Metheny; siblings, Dickie, Jerry, Jim, George, Judy, Pat and Georgia Ellis; special uncles, Chuck and John Metheny; as well as several other aunts and uncles. Leonard served his country honorably during the Korean War in the United States Army. In 1959, he started employment for the James River Paper Company; retiring after 35 years of service.  Leonard is survived by his beloved dog, Leo; children, Michael D. Metheny, Sr., Debra (Tim) Searl, Louis Metheny, Robert (Jeanie) Metheny, Timothy (Cindy) Sinclair, Phillip Sinclair and Bruce (Kim) Sinclair; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, including those there by his side during his last days, Hailee Stone, Ty England, Saharah Phelps, Sarinity England, Oasis Phelps and Manaisha Canda and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bob (Kathy) Ellis; sister, Mary (Dan) Pomeroy; aunts, Beverly “Poo Girl” Vance and Cathy L. Metheny; as well as many nieces and nephews.