Leonard L. Dailey, D.D.S.

Dr. Leonard L. Dailey joined his Heavenly Father on July 6, 2006.

He was born in Billings, MT. on February 24,1917, the son of Roy and Janet (Currie) Dailey. He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1935. He attended the University of Minnesota and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1940. Leonard was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and of Phoenix, a Scholastic Honorary Society. In August of that year he established his dental practice in Billings.

In December of 1941, Leonard was called to active duty in the US Navy at Mare Island, California. In November of 1942, he was sent to the Puunene Maui Naval Air Station. In July of 1944, he was sent to the USMC Base at Camp Pendleton where he became the Executive Dental Officer. In May of 1946, he was sent to sea on the USS AIbermarle, an Atomic Laboratory Ship, where he participated in Operation Crossroads, known as the Bikini Atom Bomb Tests. Leonard served on this ship until May of 1947. He received an honorable discharge as a LT. Commander.

Leonard returned to Billings in 1947 to resume his Dental Practice, which he continued until retiring in 1992. He was dedicated to his patients, many of whom became friends as well as patients. He was also known as “Tiny” to many of his friends.

Leonard married Willeen Foos Duran in 1968 in Billings. He was an active leader in the Dental Community serving as State President in 1987-88. He served on the Ethics Committee and as Chairman of the local Peer Review Committee. Leonard was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He served as a Deacon and as a volunteer with our youth group at church. He was a member of Ashlar Lodge AF & AM, York Rite & AI Bedoo Shrine. Leonard was a life member of BPOE #394, a member for 65 years, serving as Exalted Ruler in 1951-52 and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1971-72. He was an active participant in his community.

Leonard was devoted to his family and was always there for them. He enjoyed retirement traveling, visiting friends, his coffee club every morning and his lunch buddies. He was an avid reader, closely followed the stock market and kept up on world/national events.

Leonard is survived by: his wife Willeen , his sons, Bruce of Spokane, WA, John & wife Judy, Thomas, Leonard Jr. and wife Kathy all of Billings, Clyde of Chicago, IL, daughter, Deniece Meissner of Boise, ID and step-daughter, Lori Duran of Reno, NV, two sisters, Dora Wood of Missoula and Mary Marshall of Beverly Hills, CA; Sister in law, Glenda Foos and nine Grandchildren. His brother, Robertson, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 10am Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church. Private interment services will be held at Mountview Cemetery. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary has charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St West, Billings, MT 59102 or The Billings Elks Memorial Fund, PO Box 20302, Billings, MT 59104-0302.