"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scripture." Rev. Robert M. Leonard, Pastor of the Lexington Baptist Church for 43 years, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 26, 2009.

He was a Korean War veteran and a valiant soldier in the Lord's Army.

He had a real love and concern for the people of Lexington and Rockbridge County.

He was preceded in death by a brother, the Rev. Kenneth Leonard; and a sister, Isabel Brown.

Pastor Leonard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Audrey Spangler Leonard; two daughters, Vickie Parker and husband, Rick of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. and Julie Whitesell of Roanoke; grandchildren: Joel Parker, Jessica Whitesell, Aaron Parker, and Robert Whitesell; a sister, Bebe Aldredge; and three brothers: Frank, Jack, and Billy. Also surviving Rev. Leonard is a special sister-in-law, Angela Jernigan.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at the Lexington Baptist Church with the Rev. Delton Agnor, Pastor David Cox, the Rev. Michael Wilburn and the Rev. George Warden Jr.

Burial will be held at 3 p.m. at the Glade Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009 at the Lexington Baptist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.