Family and friends will gather to celebrate Leonard’s life on Saturday, October 29th in Citrus Heights California.
Leonard, The Warden, Chastain, 82, of Sparks, NV, peacefully passed into his eternal reward on October 23, 2016. Leonard is preceded in death by; his parents, 5 brothers, 1 sister, his son Michael and the love of his life, his wife Barbara. Leonard is survived by; his son, Mark (Ruth) Chastain; daughter, Miki (Bill) Allard; and grandsons, Kevin (Samantha) Chastain, Joel (LaNiece) Primus and Jared (Roxanne) Primus; nieces, nephews and extended family. Leonard was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. Leonard and his family immigrated to Central California from Oklahoma in the 1930s as part of the Dust Bowl Immigration described in John Steinbeck’s many literary works. He spent his early years working with his Dad on the California Orchard Company in King City.Leonard retired from the California Department of Corrections (CDC) in 1988 after a distinguished 34 year career where he rose from the rank of Correctional Officer to Warden. Leonard was well respected by colleagues and inmates alike for being a man of his word who always told it straight. Leonard was an avid golfer. He won many championships and held a zero handicap for many years. After his retirement from the CDC, Leonard became a Marshall at the Whispering Lakes Golf Club in Ontario California to continue his love of golf. Leonard, along with his wife Barbara, spent summers with their 3 grandsons teaching them to swim, dive and golf and to be the incredible men they are today. The three grandsons and their wives truly are the crowning glory of his life. Thank you to Morningstar Senior Living and Infinity Hospice staff for taking wonderful care of Leonard.
