Leonard A. Declue, Jr., age 73, of Athens, Illinois, passed away on April 16, 2023 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.He was born September 26, 1949 in Oak Lawn, Illinois the son of Leonard and Alice (Adelmare) Declue.Mourning his passing are his daughter, Renee (husband Robert) Benton; and three grandchildren, Gavin Benton, Alyssa Benton, and Ella Benton.He is preceded in death by parents.Leonard earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree and a Masters degree in of Public Affairs from Southern University.He was an self-employed author where he wrote a couple of books. Leonard ran for State Representative in the mid to late eighties.He was member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Athens, Illinois.Leonard loved to garden where he raised numerous fruits and vegetables.A funeral mass for Leonard will be held on a later date.Memorial contributions can be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church in AthensMott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line con

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