Leonard McMahon

Leonard Douglas McMahon, Sr., beloved father, mentor, attorney, and friend, passed away leaving a lasting imprint on his family and community. Born to Joseph and Odamell, and raised in Pittsburgh along with his four sisters, Leonard was a precocious and adventurous youth, who was especially fond of fishing with his grandfather and exploring the hillsides of his hometown. These formative experiences ignited his imagination, fueling his passion for writing about nature, happiness, and philosophy. Leonard’s love of poetry blossomed early, as he crafted verses layered with his personal reflections and inquisitive spirit. He graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1961 and pursued undergraduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit. In the mid-1960s, Leonard’s journey to Detroit was first marked by adversity—he faced homelessness and spent three nights in a local bus station. This experience deeply influenced his lifelong commitment to helping those in need, motivating him to advocate for others through his professional and personal life. Leonard earned his law degree from Wayne State Law School in 1973 and rose to become one of Detroit’s top personal injury attorneys. Despite his public success, his greatest pride was his unwavering dedication to his children—Nicole, Leonard Jr., and Christopher. He invested countless hours and resources into their upbringing, ensuring they attended Michigan’s best private schools and supporting them at every milestone, from school plays to karate tournaments. Nearly every Saturday, Leonard organized memorable outings for his sons, Leonard Jr. and Christopher, often welcoming friends whose fathers were absent. Afternoons at the YMCA, arcades, or The Detroit Institute of Arts strengthened their family bond and marked the beginning of Leonard’s role as a mentor to young men in his community. At that same time, he nurtured a special relationship with his only daughter, teaching her to break in her first baseball mitt, catch a fly ball, and later accompanying her to her debutante ball where they danced a memorable waltz together. What began as simple acts of compassion grew into a lifelong commitment that profoundly shaped numerous lives. In the 1990s, Leonard’s professional success enabled him to establish the Law Offices of Crenshaw & McMahon, expanding into real estate and entrepreneurship. Two pivotal events shaped these later years: in 1991, he rededicated his life to Christ, embracing faith with sincerity and conviction. His life became increasingly aligned with the teachings of Christ, evident to all who knew him. Later, at a Crenshaw & McMahon soiree, he met Laurel Francesca McGiffert. Their marriage lasted a beautiful 28 years and was characterized by a soulful bond, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. Leonard and Laurel exemplified their wedding vows, living by principles of love and resilience. Together, they were faithful members of Word of Faith International Christian Center and spent considerable time and energy on the helping ministry, Operation Blessing. Since Laurel’s daughter, Lisa, was about the same age as Leonard’s children, the two families blended seamlessly, and Leonard naturally became a surrogate father to her. After her mother’s passing, it was his comforting smile that helped Lisa through that difficult time. Leonard’s transparency and humility defined his character. He continually sought feedback to improve, never shying away from mistakes but learning from them. His Christian maturity and introspective nature—rooted in early poetic pursuits—cultivated a profound self-awareness. He looked inward for self-improvement and upward for guidance, harmonizing both perspectives in pursuit of righteousness and eternal life. Leonard Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife and soulmate Laurel, and his sister Diane Smart. He is survived by his children Nicole, Leonard Jr., and Christopher; his stepdaughter Lisa McGiffert; his sisters Carolyn, Arlene, and Brenda; his son in law Kevin Henry; and his cherished granddaughter, McKinley Henry. He leaves behind a family and community who will forever hold close his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to lifting others. Leonard is now reunited with Laurel, resting in eternal peace, his life remembered as a testament to love, faith, and a lifelong devotion to the betterment of those around him.

Leonard McMahon

November 4, 1943 - February 4, 2026