The family regrets the announcement of the passing of John Braden Leonard III on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda. John (JB) was a long time resident of Redlands after retiring from the Air Force in 1983. His service to his country spanned 30 years and included tours in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As a resident of Redlands, John was active in the Elks Lodge, band booster at Redlands Senior High and volunteering at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

John was born May 5, 1936 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania to his parents John Jr. and Pauline. Along with his sisters, Cheryl and Carol, they grew up in western Pennsylvania. John, an Eagle Scout, began his military service by enlisting in the Air Force 1956. While stationed in Japan, John met and married Toshiko Shigenobu in 1959. Sometime later they welcomed John David to the world. After the passing of Toshiko, John met Betty Bryan and her son Chris. They were married in 1972 and this was the start of a family that would see them crossing the country every summer, camping, living in England and ultimately settling in Redlands. John went on to work for Lockheed and Betty worked at Redlands Community Hospital until her passing in 2014.

They could be found enjoying a drink or two with friends and family, attending San Diego Charger Games or in the stands watching another band performance.

John is survived by his two sons and two grandkids, Evan and Austin.

Funeral services will be held on September 30, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Redlands United Church of Christ located at 168 Bellevue Avenue Redlands, Ca followed by graveside ceremony at the Riverside National Cemetery located at 22495 VanBuren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.