Leonard Marchbanks

Leonard Marchbanks
Leonard Marchbanks

Leonard Marchbanks, 88, of Amarillo, TX died Sunday, January 24, 2021.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 27, 2021, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Dr. G. A. Roach officiating. Burial will be private. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Leonard was born in Collingsworth County, Texas on July 31, 1932, to Amos and Edith Marchbanks. He married Donna Arlene Palmer on October 24, 1952, and together they had three children, who gave them four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Leonard was a Sergeant in the US Army, C Company, 469TH Engineer Aviation Battalion during the Korean war where he inspected the electrical components on fighter planes.

Having a special needs daughter inspired Leonard and Arlene to lobby for, organize, and financially support the first school for handicapped children in Amarillo in the sixties. They were committed to providing the best love and care for their special-needs daughter, Sharon Gail, in their home, for the last 67 years.

Leonard started and ran his own business, Leonard’s Dirt Service, for more than 40 years.

Leonard and his wife were avid members of “Pairs and Squares” Square Dance Club and performed exhibition Round Dancing along with teaching dance classes. They owned and operated Arlene’s Square Dance Shop in Amarillo for 8 years.

He was a very present and active father. He coached his children’s sports teams, umpired softball games, and came to their sporting events. He was their biggest fan. He took them camping and fishing and took Judo classes with his son. By example, he instilled the value of hard work, morals, and honesty in his children. He gave them a love of music and raised them to be die-hard Dallas Cowboys fans. He was an outspoken, true American Patriot who loved his country and taught his children and grandchildren the importance of voting.

It was often said that Leonard had one of the most loving and giving spirits who was always ready to help a family member or friend in need. He was the primary caregiver for his wife and daughter in their later years. He cared for his ailing Mother until her death, visited his brother Curtis at the nursing home every day prior to his passing, and paid funeral expenses for family members who were less fortunate than himself.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Donna Arlene; his twin brother, Leon at age 4; and brothers Curtis, Cleve, Clifford, and Jimmy Wayne.

He is survived by his three children, Sharon Gail who is a resident of Advo Group Home, Brenda of Amarillo, Dwayne and wife Luisa of Frisco, TX; four grandchildren, Shane Stumbo of Amarillo, Brea and husband Greg Berry of Amarillo, Shaun Allen and wife Sara of Dallas, TX, Shanna and husband Justin Roden of Celina, TX; nine great-grandchildren; and nephew, Dwight Marchbanks and wife Connie of Amarillo, TX.

The family suggests memorials to Advo Special Activities, 5241 S. Washington St., Amarillo, Texas 79110.

7 Replies to “Leonard Marchbanks”

  1. To the family: So sorry for your loss, Leonard will certainly be missed, he’s one of a kind and I am truly blessed to have known him. He was so proud of you all and literally spoke of each of you and your accomplishments weekly if not daily. The dedication he had for Arlene and Sharon was truly extraordinarily.

  2. Dewayne, Brenda, and Sharon. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My husband, John worked with Leonard at Deckard Equip. and maybe at Tractor Service. We moved to Tenn. in 1972 but he always thought the world of Leonard. John passed away on Thanksgiving of this year but he always respected and thought the world of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bless you

  3. Sorry for the loss of your father Dwayne, he left big boots to fill but your integrity and ethic are an example of the man he was. Darla and I will be thinking of you in your time of healing.

  4. Dewayne, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Your dad was loved by many!
    Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
    Love,
    Terry and Voncille

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