GREENWOOD
Leonard Lee Scotten, Sr. was a national treasure. No really! It’s not a stretch. Leonard was the man father’s prayed their sons would become. A devoted husband, father, mentor and, (some would argue), most notably, “Coach”, Leonard Lee Scotten, Sr., (90), passed away the evening of October 19, 2024.
Leonard was born on August 5, 1934 in Indianapolis to Jesse Harold Scotten and Martha Elizabeth (Gabel) Scotten. Leonard grew up on the West Side of Indianapolis: Haughville, he would proudly proclaim, triumphant that he’d made it out on top. Leonard graduated from George Washington High School in 1953, then went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree at Hanover and his Master’s Degree at Indiana University.
But some may say there’s a more notable accomplishment. Leonard worked hard to earn his education, sometimes having to take semesters off to work and save before reenrolling. He took on many jobs to fulfill his dreams, including delivering papers for the Indianapolis Star, working for various Indianapolis parks, and washing dishes at a sorority. It was at a sorority that Leonard met his first wife and mother to his children: Lee Scotten, Liza (Jeff Parish) Holtkamp, and Laura (Scott) Harder.
Leonard also leaves behind his beloved wife, Joyce Dodgion Scotten, son, Jim Dodgion, three grandchildren: Niki (Steve) Barron, John Michael Holtkamp, David Scotten (Melissa) Holtkamp, and two great grandchildren. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Lowell Scotten, and two sisters, Louise Hill and Louis Morgan.
Leonard was nothing if not determined. In 1958, when offered the job of head football coach at Greenwood High School, he advised the Superintendent that he would not accept the position until he looked at the team’s facilities and equipment. After observing no lockers in the locker room and not enough equipment for a team, Scotten accepted the position only after convincing the Superintendent to obtain the funding needed for proper equipment and uniforms.
Leonard was patient, knowing the community was predisposed to basketball and still taking upon the challenge of earning community buy in. Leonard sponsored local events to build momentum around the unknown football program and began a Dad’s Club in 1959 to solidify the Woodmen’s place in the community. The Woodmen won six games in Scotten’s first year; Scotten overcame the growing pains and as a result, became the winningest coach in Woodman history, posting a 162-105-9 record over 27 years.
During his time at Greenwood High School, Scotten was also the head track coach, assistant basketball coach, Athletic Director, teacher, and finally, Assistant Principal. During his administration, Leonard also served on the Greenwood Schools Board of Directors and the Greenwood Parks Board of Directors.
After over forty years, Leonard retired from Greenwood High School in 2015 and was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame the same year. In 2018, Leonard began volunteering for the Whiteland High School Football Program as coach for eleven years.
Leonard loved working in the garden with his wife, watching birds, and traveling. Leonard always had a strong love for animals and took in strays on many occasions that then became family. “The House that Scotten Built” is infinitely more than turf and goal posts. Leonard will remain to be an inspiration to his family, friends, and all the students and player’s lives on which he had an impact.
Long live The Vulcan Grip!
Leonard’s life will be celebrated from 3-7PM, Thursday, October 24, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main Street, where some casual tributes in his memory will begin at 6:00PM.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Greenwood Education Foundation, 605 W. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46142 or to the Rick Machledt Scholarship, c/o the Johnson County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 217, Franklin, IN 46131.
You are invited to view Leonard’s online obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the online register book or leave a condolence for the family.
