George “Leonard” McCandless was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Leonard passed away at the age of 82. He was the son of the late Georgia and Eral McCandless. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Martha Albright McCandless; two children: Debbie Strahan of Maumelle and Don McCandless of Monette, MO; his sister, Wynona Mason of Salina, KS; four grandchildren- Heather Mason, Paige McFadden, Grant Mason and Thomas McCandless and three great grandchildren – Gabriel McCandless, Scout McFadden and James Mason.
After finishing high school, Leonard joined the 82nd Airborne Division. He later became a member of the US Parachute Association and the Aircraft Owners & Pilot Association. He also became a jumpmaster and started Arkansas Falling Stars Skydiving Team training others to skydive. He made 2,187 jumps out of a perfectly good airplane!
Outside of his service to our country, Leonard was a lifetime resident of Fayetteville. He retired from Fayetteville Glass after 32 years. He was a founding member of Sequoyah United Methodist Church. He helped to establish the Ozark Military Museum which is now the Arkansas Air & Military Museum.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 12:30 pm. Due to current pandemic concerns Leonard’s in-person service will be private. For those wishing to join us virtually via Livestream, please click the link to Sequoyah United Methodist Church’s Youtube channel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Sequoyah United Methodist Church or the Arkansas Air and Military Museum.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Sending all of our love from Virginia. Leonard was such a special man; thank you for bringing him into our lives, Aunt Martha. We can’t wait to see you again and are supporting you from afar.
Fly high, Leonard. You’re already very missed.
Love,
Jeremy and Molly (Pannell) Pierce
Leonard was such a warm and generous ambassador of Fayetteville.
I worked with Leonard throughout the 1980’s and early 1990’s while I was with the Northwest Arkansas Mall. He parachuted in for Santa’s arrival, during Easter celebrations and as part of Freedom Fireworks festivities. Spectators, shoppers and the staff loved his showmanship and heroics. He also became a dear friend. Rest In Peace, gentle giant.
So sorry for your loss please accept my deepest condolences.
Martha, Debbie, Donnie and Family,
You are in our prayerful thoughts during this sad time. Leonard was such an uplifting part of our family, always thoughtful, fun loving and adventurous. He brought joy to us and many others in the community he valued.
May you be comforted by God’s care and happy memories, knowing Leonard is safe in his eternal home.
Love,
David, Cathy and Family
So sorry for the loss of Leonard; a gentle man who obviously loved his Martha. Aunt Martha, you and the entire family of Leonard’s are all in our prayers. Sending positive thoughts for your, and his entire family’s, healing. Much love, Sibyl (Pannell) and Jim Freund.
Leonard was a very special man. My condolences to You all. I’m very glad he was part of my life. Prayers for peace at this time.
Leonard was an incredible man. A hero. His dedication to his country will forever be remembered. As a founder of the Ozark Military Museum, his work there impacted my life in so many ways. Because of him, I have gained an even greater love for America, her history, and her military. God Bless you, sir. Earth is poorer for his leaving, but heaven is definitely a richer place now. My prayers are with his family during this time.
Rest in peace.
A true gentleman and a joy to visit with.
You will be missed!
On behalf of my sister, Jane Newton (aka Nancy Jane Beck), my brother, Jim Beck & Sara (wife), myself Joyce Meador (aka Joyce Ann Beck) & Geary (husband), we extend our heartfelt condolences to Martha & family, Don McCandless & family, and Wynona & Lee Mason & family. We are siblings of the late Joy & Hazel Beck (Aunt Hazel) from hometown, Cassville, MO. Leonard and his sister, Wynona, our first cousins, bring many fond memories of our visits and time spent together in Cassville and Fayetteville. Leonard was a kind, sweet, thoughtful person and will be missed by his family and many friends. May God be with you and cherish the memories you have in remembering Leonard.