Leon Charles Lada

Leon “Lonnie” Lada, age 76, died peacefully at home on April 27, 2018. He is preceded in death by his father Leon Lada. He is survived by his wife, Sandi; his mother Mary Lee; his sister Patricia “Trish”; his daughters Lisa (Bill), Greta, Kim; stepdaughter Nichole (Gary); stepson Shawn (Arleen); niece Melissa (Stephen); nephew Chip (Michelle); granddaughters Ashley (Ken), Shannon; grandsons Billy (Nicole), Andy, Austin R.S., Jordan, Austin J.; seven great grandchildren and many special great nieces and great nephews.

A resident of Castle Rock, Colorado, and PROUD retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), Leon faithfully served in the United States Air Force for 30 years, achieving the highest enlisted rank possible. He amassed 13 awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal twice. The Chief, as he was affectionately known, started his career in 1961 at McChord AFB in Washington as an Education Services Specialist and retired in 1991 as the Non-Commission Officer In Charge of the Consolidated Base Personnel Office at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico. According to one of his performance reports, he was the “orchestrator of unfathomable energy” and was considered a superior mentor and leader.

During his 30 years of service, Leon spoke most fondly of and treasured his time spent at Hahn Air Base in Germany. This included stories of living in Schwarzen with the Pauli family, his daughters’ experiences, enjoying the many varieties of wine, and participating (and medaling) in many Volksmarches; tales that only Leon could weave and we all enjoyed hearing. He returned to Germany a second time for Sandi’s civilian assignment and it was a pure joy as they enjoyed many adventures together.

Leon enjoyed playing racquetball, softball, cribbage, and pinochle. He was known as one of the best softball players specializing in pitching. He is often remembered as the center of the team for those who played with him, number 00. Stepson, Shawn, recalls getting his butt kicked many times in racquetball. During the last few years, daughter, Kim, and he participated in several cribbage club tournaments together. He and Sandi partnered together in pinochle and took on several family members and friends.

Leon also thoroughly enjoyed camping and had numerous memorable trips with family. Several family members, including daughter, Greta and her family, and stepdaughter Nichole, remember trips to Elephant Butte in New Mexico and having good summer fun on the “Ladafun” pontoon boat. He enjoyed any kind of visit to see family, including trips to Alaska to see daughter, Lisa, son-in-law Bill, and their family, and trips to St Louis to see celebrate his Mother, Mary Lee’s birthday and reunite with extended family. Whether he and Sandi were traveling or others came to them, all these gettogethers brought smiles and happiness. Despite his exterior military toughness, Leon was a softy at heart who gave the best bear hugs and was totally dedicated to his country and family.

Leon will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.

A memorial will be held at a later date in September at the Air Force Academy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/