Leonard Leon Levandowski

Lt. Col. (ret.) Leonard Leon Levandowski, 94, died peacefully in his sleep at the Arizona State Veterans Home, Tucson, Ariz., on Wed., April 24, 2019.

He was born and raised in Albion. He left for the Marine Corps at age 17 and fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II as an aircraft mechanic for the Marine Fighting Squadron 114, giving close air support for the battle of Peleliu. After the war, he transitioned to the Army Air Corps and soloed as a pilot in 1949 at Randolph Field, Texas. He flew rescue missions as a helicopter pilot in the Korean War. He was also instrumental in developing and perfecting the drone photo reconnaissance retrieval program as a “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter pilot before and during the Vietnam War. There were also numerous rescue missions here in the U.S. throughout his career. He was proud to have achieved Command Pilot status (10,000 flight hours logged). He retired from the Air Force in 1970 and served in the Border Patrol in Yuma, Ariz., followed by a 20-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an aviation inspector, certifying pilots and investigating aviation accidents. After retiring from the FAA, he provided volunteer assistance as a tax consultant. He retired at age 75. He continued to live life fully and independently up until his passing. He was a caring provider who loved and gave unconditionally.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Louise Marie (Silkowski); son, Gary Edward; father, Adam; mother, Gertrude; sister, Mary Lou (McGaffic); and brother, Archie.

He is survived in life by his sister, Jean Jozwiak; his sons, Steven (Connie) and Richard (Marilyn); daughter, Peggy Walker; and son, Christopher (Debra Walker); grandchildren, Jessica (Ben) DelaGarza, Amanda (Orlando) Rascon, Kelly (Ben) Montoya, Kristin Levandowski, Sarah (Sam) Maggio, and Adam (Ashley) Levandowski; nine great-grandchildren; and he was looking forward to meeting his new great-granddaughter due in June.

He will be laid to rest alongside his wife and son in Medina. The service will be announced at a future date.

We love you, miss you, and look forward to seeing you again.