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The Nashville group of train collectors and operators were saddened earlier today to learn of the passing of Sherman Leonard, long time TCA member and mentor to many younger members. In the seventies and eighties. Sherman sponsored many local meets accompanied by his legendary open houses replete with generous quantities of food and beverages. His gracious spouse, the late Mae Leonard, served delicious homemade desserts at these events. His impressive displayed train collection and operating layout were highlights of these open houses. In more recent years, Sherman set up his large selection of Lionel parts at the local shows. His sons, Wesley and Daniel have been operating the parts operation for the last decade. Sherman was my TCA sponsor in 1974 and was always glad to share his knowledge of our hobby over the many years I have known him. He will be missed. Rest in peace dear friend.

Last edited by Tinplate Art
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Well said TinPlate Art, Sherman was a true Ambassador of our hobby, going to his Christmas Parties, going to his home and watching Lionel movies was so much fun. We met the late Charles Ro senior there and many wonderful model railroaders. In his 65 foot trailer that he had parked behind his home was the largest T-Rail layout that I’ve ever seen. This trailer and layout lives on at Wes Leonard’s home near Huntsville Alabama. Sherman and May were a super team, she actually loved standard gauge trains and she had almost everything ever made. Their Lionel collection was and still is, amazing. Their parts business is second to none and Wes, and his wife Darlene and family will keep the Legend alive. Art, thank you for sharing your thoughts about our good friend Sherman Leonard with our friends on this OGR Forum friends. We will sure miss Sherman. Please keep his family in your prayers. I’m thinking Sherman was 95 years young, RIP my friend. Happy Railroading Everyone

Passing of Sherman Leonard.  Sherman signed my application to join TCA back in 1978. As Art said he opened his home to any and all that were interested in trains and even sold trains in those days. I have no idea of the number of train trips I enjoyed with him over the years. Many trips to York during the first gas shortage, Three Mir Island scare, Washington, D.C. sniper,  for parties and conventions. I enjoyed having Mae and Sherman to my home fo and other events. He introduced me to Lionel T Rail and helped me (he did most of the work) build my T rail layout. When it was all in place I said there is nothing better than this and then he said YES. You need to double track everything and we did. GODSPEED MY FRIEND !

For Friends of The Leonard’s, Sherman passed away January 21, and his funeral, The Celebration of Life, conducted by Pastor Marc Huddleston is at 11:00 AM Central Standard Time, Friday January 27th, in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, Tennessee. Phone number 615-444-9393 Address: 313 Baddour Rd., Lebanon, Tn. This is for those folks that knew our great friend Sherman Leonard. We will surely miss our good friend for how he shared our hobby with us. RIP.

I am also very sorry to hear this.  Despite living in Tennessee, Sherman used to drive all the way down to our TCA Southern  Division meets in Florida 4 times each year for many years and set up several  tables of postwar goodies with reasonable prices.  He was one of the first members I met when I joined the club and he was so very helpful to this then young collector and was always smiling and friendly.  I would always look for his tables at the beginning of each meet.

My condolences to his family.

Bill T

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