Leonard David "Lenny" Baronowski

Leonard David "Lenny" Baronowski, age 81, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Baptist Memorial of North MS in Oxford, MS.

The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 14, 2026, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Sardis, MS. The family will begin receiving friends Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. until service time.

Lenny was born on August 20, 1945, in Sardis, Mississippi, to the late Barry Leonard and Mildred Ferrell Baronowski, and lived a life marked by devotion to his family, steady faith, hard work, and a generous spirit.

Lenny retired after 43 years of service with IBM, where he served as a branch manager. He also served in the Mississippi National Guard. Through the years, he became known as a man who could be counted on—quick witted, tender hearted, and always ready with a laugh, a joke, or a helping hand for anyone in need. Strong in faith, he was a member of Hebron Baptist Church in Sardis, where he also taught Sunday School.

He found joy in the simple and lasting things of life. Lenny loved the outdoors, especially hunting and crappie fishing. He coached his children’s summer league ball teams when they were young, giving his time and encouragement in ways that stayed with them. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and was a self-taught brick layer who seemed able to figure out just about anything that was asked of him. In high school, he played football and baseball and was known as a good athlete. He also enjoyed watching SEC football. Most of all, Lenny loved his grandchildren unconditionally, and that love was among the greatest treasures of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Baronowski of Sardis, MS. He also leaves behind his daughter, Shannon Lea Baronowski of Memphis, Tennessee, and his son, Chad Ferrell Baronowski and his wife, Rachel, of Collierville, Tennessee. Lenny is also survived by his grandchildren, Cypress Ferrell Worthington and Austin David Baronowski, who held a special place in his heart. He is further survived by his sister, Mary Baronowski Smith and her husband, Steve, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his sister, Myra Baronowski McGehee of Independence, Mississippi; and his brother, Jim Baronowski and his wife, Julia, of Batesville, Mississippi. The love of his family, and the love he gave so freely in return, will remain a lasting part of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kandis Jane Reichelderfer Baronowski, and by his parents, Barry Leonard Baronowski and Mildred Ferrell Baronowski.

Lenny will be remembered for his strength, his faith, his humor, and the deep love he carried for his family. His life was one of service, kindness, and quiet capability, and his memory will continue to bring comfort and gratitude to those who were blessed to know him.