LEONARDO "LENNY" WARDLAW was born on August 15, 1974, in Tamuin, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Charted his final course to the stars on his eternal journey across the celestial seas on June 12, 2024. Known for steering through life with a joyful heart and a steady hand, Lenny whisked away from this world at the age of 49, leaving a wake of laughter and love behind him.

Lenny was a dedicated individual who served in the United States Coast Guard from 1992 until 1995, stationed on the CGC ACCUSHNET out of Eureka, California. After his military service, Lenny pursued a career that started in Ingleside, TX where he began working in a shipyard. He met his now friend Jacob Carver who gave him a chance to work on a tugboat. He worked with Raymond Dugat Company from 2006-2008. He worked his way up from a green deckhand to the position of mate. In 2008, he began working for Marquette Transportation Gulf Inland as a deckhand, and with a lot of hard work, he made it to Pilot in 2012. Finally, in February 2015, he had the honor of becoming the High Captain of his own towboat, The M/V St. Phillip and he ran the vast waterways until he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2019. He had to take a lil break from work while he fearlessly battled cancer. After 9 months off Lenny returned to work, but this time in the Marquette River Division. During his 18 years at Marquette Transportation. Lenny traveled extensively along the Gulf of Mexico, exploring various rivers and waterways, and embracing the beauty of nature.

Lenny was a force to be reckoned with, and even with the punch in the gut that came in November 2021 when the cancer returned, he continued to work and battle. Lenny loved life. He loved his family and friends. Lenny always had a smile on his face. Lenny's lust for life never faltered.

Lenny's blended crew, who will forever cherish their steadfast skipper, includes his beloved wife, Virginia Wardlaw; a blended fleet of children: Aissa (Jacob), Damaris, Taylor (Daizhon), Alexis (Marcus), Megan (Richard), Julia, Jared, and McKayla; along with a spirited squad of grandchildren: Kirsten, Kenslei, Aliyanna, Adaline, Ezekiel (Spud), Richard Jr (RJ), Julian, and Annie (Mal). He is survived by his mother, Teresa Wardlaw; Older brothers and sisters, Linda (Michael); Leonard III (Betty); Roger (Teri); Julie (Richard); Wade (Cheryl); Elaine (Brad); Geovani (Bonnie); Lisa (Jeff); and Martha. Many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Setting sail before him to the great marina in the sky was his father and guiding star, Leonard Ashley Wardlaw Jr.

The celebration of Lenny's remarkable voyage will be a fitting tribute to his life. The memorial will commence with a traditional Catholic Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Brackettville, TX, on [June 21, 2024], at [10:00 AM]. This will be followed by a memorial at Sunset Funeral Home from [12-4 pm]. The day will conclude with a dinner at Ft. Clark Spring at the Las Moras Golf Course where we can gather to share our memories of Lenny. Pallbearers will be Jacob Carver, Lesly Floyd, Father Clay Hunt, WT Hunt, David Seargeant, and Geovani Wardlaw.

In honor of Captain Lenny's memory, we invite friends and shipmates to contribute to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer. This cause was as close to his heart as the open sea, and your support can help continue his fight against this disease.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Homes & Cremation, where they're known for smoothing the sails during life's final sunset.