Nelson Leonberger, 47, of Waldorf, MD died suddenly on October 6, 2015. Born on February 12, 1968 he is the first son of Franklin Pierce Leonberger of Upper Marlboro, MD and the late Elizabeth Ruiz Leonberger.

Nelson grew up in Severn, MD where he graduated from Meade Senior High School. After graduation, he entered the US Airforce and over time, obtained a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Nelson entered the US Airforce on August 5, 1987. He served his county honorably in the US Airforce during Operation Desert Storm. During meritorious service, Nelson received the Army Achievement Medal; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; the Air Force Good Conduct Medal; the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; the National Defense Service Medal, an Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon and the NCO PME Graduate and Air Force Training Ribbons, which recognized noncommissioned officers who have completed a prescribed leadership course at an NCO training school.

After retiring from the Air Force, Nelson had several information technology jobs and eventually settled in at the Census Bureau as a Database Administrator. Nelson had a passion for muscle cars and racing. He enjoyed Maryland International Raceway where he would race his GTO. He loved all forms of racing, but Drag Racing was his favorite by far. If he ever took you for a test drive, you would remember it forever!

In addition to his father, Nelson is survived by his sons, Andrew Nelson Leonberger and Christopher Allen Leonberger of Upper Marlboro, MD; his brothers, Pierce Leonberger (Joanne) of Gambrills, MD and Jeffrey Leonberger of Glen Burnie, MD; and the mother of his sons, Shirley Leonberger of Upper Marlboro, MD.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Nelson, may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements provided by Lee Funeral Home.