Marty Leonard - 2025

Philanthropist • Golf Enthusiast • Community Leader • Fort Worth Icon

Marty Leonard was born and raised in Fort Worth and graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Although a graduate of SMU, she is also a supporter of Texas Christian University (TCU) through philanthropic efforts and community involvement. - “ Red and Blue make Purple.”

Marty’s roots in Fort Worth run deep with a legacy of service, leadership, and a love for the City of Fort Worth. She was born into the iconic Leonard family, founders of Leonard’s Department Store, a beloved anchor of downtown Fort Worth, which offered a unique shopping experience to all who visited.

For the Leonard family, it wasn’t just about making a sale. It was about serving the community. Today, the store’s legacy lives on through the Leonard’s Museum, now making its forever home at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Thanks to the efforts of Marty Leonard, the museum features over 2,000 artifacts, including a restored railcar from the original M&O Subway.

Marty’s passion for golf reflects the same patience, dedication, and precision she brings to her community involvement. She has been Club Champion at both Shady Oaks Country Club and Colonial Country Club, a testament to her talent and love for the game. She also built and owns Leonard Golf Links, a premier practice facility.

Marty has served on numerous nonprofit boards, supporting organizations such as Lena Pope for 65 years, the Junior League of Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, United Way, and All Saints Health Foundation. She was honored by family and friends on her 50th birthday with the building of the Marty Leonard Community Chapel at Lena Pope. This serene space continues to enrich the community.

Her public service includes 17 years on the Tarrant Regional Water District board, with the Cedar Creek Wetlands soon to be named in her honor. She was the recipient of the Children in Nature Award and has a boardwalk named after her at the Nature Center, the Marty Leonard Lotus Boardwalk.

Marty has also been deeply involved with St. Andrews Anglican Church for many years, serving on the Vestry, Finance, and Organ committees.

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the MD Anderson Making History Award, the All Saints Foundation Board Heritage Award, the United Way Hercules Award, the Alexis de Tocqueville Founding Chair, the Great Women of Texas Legacy Award, and the DAR State Conservation Award. She was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, an honor she shares with her father, making them the only father-daughter duo to be inducted.

Marty’s longtime friendship with Holt Hickman was founded on a shared love for Fort Worth and a mutual desire to preserve and promote its unique Western culture. Together, they worked to keep the city’s heritage alive while encouraging innovation and growth.

Marty Leonard’s legacy is one of grace, passion, and unwavering dedication to the city of Fort Worth.