Sgt. 1st Class Leon “Lee” R. Neal, U.S. Army, Retired
December 24, 1929 – December 8, 2015
Leon passed away quietly at home in Colorado Springs surrounded by his loving family on December 8, 2015. He was born in Los Angeles, California on December 24, 1929 to George and Elizabeth Neal.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brothers, and his son, Richard Leon Neal of Lancaster, California.
Sgt. Neal enlisted in the army at age 17 in 1947. He served 3 tours in Korea, and 2 tours in Vietnam, retiring with 25 years active military service. After his military retirement he worked for Hewlett-Packard, retiring in October, 1991 after almost 20 years.
Sgt. Neal was recommended for the Soldier’s Medal by Capt. J. B. Foreman, Commanding Officer B Company, 44th Engineer Construction Battalion (Broken Hearts) (APO 971, San Francisco, California) for rescuing and saving the life of a downed helicopter pilot on or about 10 March 1957. This rescue occurred at the site of recovery operations of a C-124 Globe-Master that crashed in the Han River, in Korea on 22 February 1957.
Leon was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service in Vietnam during his second tour. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Service with the 52nd Engineer Construction Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado plus many other awards and medals, too numerous to mention.
One of his many projects while at Fort Carson was the large athletic field located at the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pikes Peak Avenue across from the Fireman’s Memorial. This athletic field is still used by the students of the Deaf and Blind School for whom it was built.
Leon was a resident of Colorado Springs for 44 years, active in community affairs and worked diligently to keep a safe neighborhood. He was a member in good standing of TREA, Chapter One, Colorado Springs.
Leon is survived by his beloved wife, Violet, whom he met while working at Hewlett-Packard. They were married at Peterson Air Force Base Chapel on November 10, 1979, sharing 36 wonderful years together. He is also survived by his step-son, Dan Allen, and granddaughter, Samantha Ray Allen, both of Colorado Springs.
Together with his wife, Leon enjoyed camping, boating, fishing and motorcycle touring. He loved all animals, especially their poodles: Pierre, Nikita, and Whitney; and his sweet little black poodle, Bailey.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 633 S. 8th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905.
A very special Thank You to Optum Palliative and Hospice Care personnel for their care and support.
Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m. with funeral services to follow on Monday, December 14, at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Boulevard. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors.