Leonard D. Densmore attended the University of Nebraska and then obtained a law degree from the Chicago Law School in 1921. He served two terms as a Representative in the Nebraska State Legislature, worked with the Nebraska Railway Commission and then joined predecessor companies of what is now Centel Corporation in 1928. He moved rapidly through a succession of key managerial positions during the early years of acquisition and tremendous growth. He was one of three men who developed the North Carolina Independent Telephone Association and he served as the first president of that organization.
Densmore had an illustrious military career in both World War I and World War II. He returned home from World War II with the rank of colonel, having received numerous military decorations and citations for his distinguished service record in the armed forces. Following World War II, Col. Densmore again continued his progression through key positions with Centel, becoming executive vice president and serving on the board of directors of seven different companies. He was very active in USITA, serving on the board of directors for 18 years, the executive committee and on nine separate committees where his excellent leadership abilities continued to be recognized.
Col. Densmore was very instrumental in the development of Centel Corporation into one of the largest telephone companies in the U.S. Through his work with USITA, his expertise helped develop the Independent industry in the highly complex period following WWII. Col. Densmore was recognized by his peers in the industry as a master builder and organizer. He died in 1986.
