Phillip Hugh Leonard was born January 20, 1939, in Duncan, Oklahoma to Hugh (Spike) Leonard and Wylla (Crabtree) Leonard.  He passed away with family beside him at his home in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the age of 86.

A graveside memorial service is planned for 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 27, at Duncan Municipal Cemetery with Arnold Nelson officiating. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow at The Simmons Center.  Cremation arrangements are being handled by Whitt Funeral Home/Oakcrest Cremation Center.

Phil was born and raised in Duncan and lived there the majority of his life. He was a very active child and his love of sports was intense. He attended Will Rogers elementary and Duncan Junior High. Then, graduated from Duncan High School with the class of 1957. While there, he was a member of the National Honor Society, President of his Junior class, student council, attended Boys State, chosen as Outstanding Senior Boy and Mr. DHS. Phil played basketball and tennis. He excelled in basketball and was a three-year varsity letterman. Being named to the Wigwam Wiseman National High School All-American team his senior year. He was selected for the second straight year to the All-Boomer conference team. Phil was also selected to the Oklahoma All-State team where he went on to win game MVP in the (Oklahoma vs Texas) Oil Bowl later that summer. In that game, Phil set a rebound record that stood for 25 years until broken by Wayman Tisdale in 1982. He received scholarship offers from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. He went on to attend and play basketball at the University of Oklahoma. 

In 1960, Phil married Nancy Ray Stewart and together raised their two children, Melissa and Stewart, in Duncan. After graduating with his law degree from OU, Phil and Nancy moved from Moore to Duncan where he worked for 10 years as an attorney for Halliburton. He then became partner in the Ellis, Leonard and Buckholts law firm with Thomas Ellis and EJ Buckholts.

As an adult, his love of sports still had a hold on him. He began officiating high school football and basketball. As his father before him, he quickly ascended to the college ranks and served as a Big-8 football official for 10 years. The highlight of his officiating career came in 1978, where he was chosen to work that year’s Cotton Bowl. An all-time classic game where Joe Montana led Notre Dame to a great comeback win over Earl Campbell’s Texas Longhorns.

Also, during his career, Phil ran and was elected Mayor of Duncan in the mid 90’s, where he served one term. He also taught US History at Cameron University, authored and published two books: “Here To Stay A Fight For Tolerance” and “Women Rule World Peace”, and acted as a substitute city judge for the City of Duncan. 

After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family taking vacations and traveling to the beach. He especially enjoyed OU basketball reunions with his former teammates.

He is survived by his children: Stewart Leonard and Melissa Caldwell; son-in-law, Myles Caldwell; grandchildren: Peyton Leonard, Rayce Leonard, Jackson Caldwell and Pearson Caldwell.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; wife and mother of his children, Nancy Leonard; and sisters: Jane Woolever and Patricia Louis.