Leonard McGlothlin

In Leonard’s final moments of life he was baiting a hook, casting a line, and reeling a fish in the way he must’ve so many times. For people who love to fish, it is a peaceful past time. One that gives you time to reflect or just enjoy nature. And for a moment that gave us solace, because we knew that Leonard’s end was near and we had prayed tirelessly for a peaceful passing.

Then it struck me that this didn’t sound like a fishing trip I’d ever heard Leonard talking about. When thinking about Leonard, he often reminded us of the main character in the movie Big Fish. Leonard was a big character always excited to share a past adventure and although many of his stories sounded fantastic and too outrageous to be true, you always found out they were. He was always looking for the magic in life. He was always fishing for the big fish. He wasn’t content to catch a few blue gill. He wanted the fish you had to wrestle with. His experiences in life were lived to the fullest and if you happened to share in one or many of those experiences, you are unlikely to ever forget them.

If Leonard’s life were a tackle box, there wouldn’t have been a single small hook or small mouth bait. He wouldn’t have brought the first aid kit he would assuredly need. It would’ve been light in weight, plenty of extra line prepared for that big fish to break it, and his favorite hook (which would most likely end up in someone’s hand or at the bottom of a lake along with his boat), but what a fishing trip that would be.

In all things God has a purpose, and the fact that each of us can be used is on display with the twelve men he chose to follow him — to share the gospel and build the church upon. Simon Peter was very talkative, outgoing and overzealous at times, probably a lot like Leonard, and God used him to further the gospel. God will use us, and put us right where we need to be, even if we don’t feel qualified. Any trait God put within us, God can hone to use in His way for His purpose. God found a way to make these very unique men useful in His kingdom. The only requirement God has, is that we love him, and He can make us fishers of men. Leonard had a strong desire to serve God and reach others with his outgoing and friendly spirit.

During Leonard’s life he did many things, but what is extraordinary is that all of the things Leonard did were done wholeheartedly. Life isn’t about trophies or accolades for a follower of Christ. But it does honor God when we don’t take the gifts He has given us for granted. It honors God when we don’t take time for granted. That is best exhibited in the way we approach our daily lives, and Leonard lived his to the fullest.

Leonard loved the outdoors fishing and hunting, boating and waterskiing, golfing and growing a garden, especially tomatoes. He loved that he grew up in Montana and he visited when he could. Leonard never met a stranger. He worked for Indianapolis power and light company for 40+ years. He was a member of Clayton Christian Christian Church for 37 years. He was very proud of his mission work in Honduras, Haiti and Dominican Republic. He was proud of being a member of the 82nd Airborne, US Army and his service to the country.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife Cindy McGlothlin; children, Karen Colville, Debbie (Todd) Courtney, Jennifer McGlothlin, Angie (Adam) Parsons, and Randy Hutcheson; grandchildren, Sarah Colville, Joe (Kaylan) Colville, Blake (Jordon) Courtney, Lauren (Eric) Forney, Reese Courtney, Jacob Clark, Jared Clark, Eli Richardson, AJ (Isabelle) Parsons, Becca Parsons, Emma (Dwight) Lewis, Hank Parsons; great grandchildren, Alexa, Tegan, Joey, Emma, Leonard Colville, Colt Courtney, Hudson Forney, Quinn Parsons, and Emmitt Parsons. 

The family will receive friends at Clayton Christian Church on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 1:00p.m. - 2:30 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2:30 p.m. Leonard will be laid to rest in Clayton Cemetery with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be offered to the Clayton Christian Church.