Joseph “Joe” Wesley Leonard passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on February 17, 1948, in Webb City, Missouri, Joe was the son of Patricia Leonard and Floyd Leonard, former Chief of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. While serving in the United States Navy and stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, Joe met his wife, Etsuko. They married on June 1, 1976.

After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, Joe moved his family to Oxford, Ohio, in 1983, joining the faculty of Miami University’s Department of Management. Oxford became Joe and Etsuko’s permanent home.

As an enrolled citizen of the federally recognized Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Joe remained deeply connected to his heritage. During his career, he introduced many students to the history, culture, community, and businesses of the Miami Tribe. Following his retirement from Miami University, he remained very active with the Tribe, serving on the Board of Directors of Miami Nation Enterprises and participating in community events.

Outside of his career, Joe was a musician at heart who loved listening to music, especially jazz, and playing the bass. He and Etsuko also shared a passion for staying active and were familiar faces at the local Rec Center.

Above all, Joe will be remembered for his profound kindness.

He is survived by his wife, Etsuko; his son, Wesley, of Riverside, California; and his daughter, Mika (Ryan), and granddaughter, Olive, of Denver, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In keeping with Joe's wishes, there will be no funeral service.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Woodland Country Manor for the exceptionally kind and considerate care they provided over the last two years of Joe’s life.