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Leo S. Bartley Santa Paula, CA QCWA # 08176 |
Leo Sherman Bartley, Lt. Col, USAF-retired, passed away on January 29, 2022 in Santa Paula, California. Leo died short of reaching his goal of 115, but made a good run at it, living to 102. Leo was born in Chismville, Arkansas on April 23, 1919 to Finis and Maud(Ragsdale)Bartley. Leo was raised in Santa Paula, graduating from Santa Paula High School. He married fellow SPHS graduate Virginia Deane Bailey in 1943.
During World War II, Leo was stationed at Deenethorpe, England, where he piloted a B-17 bomber. Leo and his crew flew 30 missions, including their assignment on D-Day over the English Channel. Following the war, Leo was employed by the Civil Aeronautics Authority, with assignments in Winslow, Arizona and Fresno, California before being recalled during the Korean War, and serving in the Aleutian Islands. Following the Korean War, Leo was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, before being sent to Oklahoma State University by the Air Force to complete a degree in Electrical Engineering. Leo was then stationed at Griffiss AFB in New York, and Holloman AFB in New Mexico. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1966, Leo worked in the aerospace industry, which included an assignment to implement a satellite system for the country of Indonesia. During his career, Leo, Virginia, and their four children lived in various locations throughout the US. Following Leo's final retirement, he and Virginia moved back to their hometown of Santa Paula, rekindling old friendships and meeting new friends.
While in high school, Leo received his amateur radio license. This became a lifelong hobby, affording him two wonderful friendships, with Ellard Foster and George Lagaly, both of Oklahoma. Other organizations Leo belonged to included the Masons, the Shriners, Mercer-Prieto Post 2043 Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 457th and the 401st Bomb Group Associations, and the Santa Paula Church of Christ. Leo also enjoyed mornings for many years with his "McDonald's coffee group", which included Bob Russell, Delton Johnson, Walt Klement, Steve Terchek, Don Olivier, and other good friends.
Leo was predeceased by wife Virginia Deane(d.2016); son Sherman Terry(d.1945); brothers Harold(d.2003)and Robert(d.2016); son-in-law Miles Groves(d.2010); and close friends Ellard Foster(d.2004); and George Lagaly, who passed away on January 28, 2022, less than 24 hours before Leo. Leo is survived by daughter Cynthia(Joe Quintana), daughter Joyce(Andrew Macias), daughter Carol Groves, and son Kenneth(Mary); granddaughter Melodie(Joseph Rak); grandson Travis Quintana(Nina); and great-granddaughters Lilah and Annabelle Rak. Leo also leaves behind fellow Santa Paula High School classmates and lifelong friends from the graduating class of 1939, Ruth(Scurlock)Walker of Fillmore and Jean(Moore)Alexander of Thousand Oaks; in addition good friends Bob and Peggy Russell, Scott Rushing, and others too numerous to name here.
The family would like to thank Leo and Virginia's physician Dr. Gary Deutsch, who provided great care for Leo and Virginia for over 35 years; Dr. Deutsch's very helpful staff; caregiver Maria Hernandez and family, including Chuy, Denise, Stacey, and Adeline, whose tireless care and patience is greatly appreciated; Daniel Brown of Fillmore, who provided excellent lawn service for over 35 years and was a valued friend; Michelle Ming, who provided endless support for Leo; Leo's other caregivers; Mark Cagnacci, who was of great support and assistance to Leo in recent years; caring neighbors Chris and Marie Castaneda, Bob and Chris Miller, and Rick and Denise.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice.
Graveside service to take place on Thursday, February 10, at 2:00 P.M.
Posted online on February 09, 2022
Published in Ventura County Star