W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Leonard Coy Bland, 78, of Louisville died February 7, 2023 in Corydon, IN.

Visitation 9-11 Thursday February 16, 2023 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home. Funeral to follow at 11am. Burial Lebanon National Cemeteru, Lebanon, Kentucky.

Leonard Coy Bland was born January 14, 1945 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late William Bland and Geraldine S. Bland. “Blandy” as Leonard was affectionately called by family and friends, accepted Christ at an early age.

Leonard received his education in the Louisville Public School System, (now called the Jefferson County Public School System), and was a graduate from Central High School. After high school graduation, Leonard enlisted in the United States Navy, so that he could fulfill one of his many dreams to travel, see the world, and have many cultural experiences. While in the Navy, he served as a Boilerman on the USS Arlington in World War II. In three years, he was E5, which was a great accomplishment. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he received the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon returning to Louisville, after serving his country in the Navy, Blandy started his work history at the Powder Plant in Indiana. In 1975, he was employed at the Ford Motor Company Louisville Assembly Plant. During this time, he obtained an Associate Degree in HVAC from Ivy Tech. Earning this degree was a stepping stone, and catalyst, that began his career as a Millwright (Journeyman) in maintenance at the Louisville Assembly Plant. Leonard remained an employee at Ford Motor Company until his retirement in 2005.

"Blandy” was a man of many skills and talents. There wasn’t anything broken that he could not fix, nothing he could not build, and nothing he could not do. He was the “jack of all trades”, and the master of many. He loved his homemade wine which he made from his garden that he also loved to work in. Leonard was not all work and no play. He was a diehard U of L Cardinal fan. He enjoyed his leisure time watching both the young men and young ladies play in every sport that U of L offered. No interruptions were allowed when the Cardinals were playing on the television – it was time to be focused!!


Blandy, and Granddaddy Bland, as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren, was a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, brother, and friend.

Leonard’s life was cut way too short. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters. On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Leonard Coy Bland departed from his earthly home, and ascended to his Heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memories, two children, Jaime Saldana and Belinda Bland; grandchildren, Ta’Neele, Harry, Ricki, Shedrick, Antonio, Alicia, Dajge and Ariel; ten great grandchildren, a special friend, Stacy Gardner; a special niece, Philanesha Bland; close friends, Billy Jack and Maple Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.