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Eddie LeBaron
1930 - 2015
Eddie LeBaron
1930 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1930
DIED
2015
Eddie LeBaron Obituary
The University of Pacific said LeBaron died of natural causes Wednesday.
LeBaron played at Pacific for coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and also helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1949.
He later served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroism.
LeBaron played 11 seasons in the NFL for Washington and Dallas. He threw for 13,399 yards and 104 touchdowns and was selected to four Pro Bowls.
He later served as general manager for the Atlanta Falcons from 1977 to 1982 and was the league's Executive of the Year in 1980. He also served on the NFL's Competition Committee.
He is survived by his wife, Doralee, sons Edward "Wayne" III, Richard and William, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
68 Entries
David Rigan
March 2, 2025
Eddie Lebaron once faked a handoff to his running back and everyone, including the refs, thought the runner scored a touchdown. But the fake was real and no one knew Lebaron had the ball. He walked into the end zone with no one near him
January 21, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Joseph Raich
August 30, 2020
Eddie was one of the finest gentleman that i ever met and worked with. He was a decent honest man who cherished his friendships as they cherished him. I will miss him deeply and forever remember his smiling face and pleasant demeanor. God bless him eternally and give his loving family our sincere condolences.
April 2, 2020
I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of mr Eddie lebaron great football player may the God of tender mercies grant him peace
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December 14, 2019
He was always my hero.my son I named after him. Edward Wayne LeBaron. My son met him at his office and he was as gracious as I had rememberd him when I met him. I was a freshman at Edison when he was a senior at COP. He was 5 yrs older than .me
James Bastien
October 26, 2019
My father-in-law Korean Combat Veteran, Arthur Cotton (GySgt - USMC Retired) for over 40 years lights up every time he mentions playing football with you in the Corps. Those days in Quantico after your return from Combat duty in Korea were in inspiration to him and other Marines through your leadership on the football field. The most important memory is your induction to the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame. He traveled to Quantico and was invited by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to attend your induction as a former teammate. He shared this memorable event with his Grandson Captain Jason Pennington, who now serves as a C-17 pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He loves his picture of you and the Quantico team in the 1950s and I have attached for all to see what a shining example of leadership you exemplified. Art is the one smiling at the bottom of the ladder well to the left of Eddie. Thank you, Sir, for your duty to our country, and for being a Dallas Cowboy, and their first quarterback. May you rest in peace, and Semper Fidelis. Respectfully, Master Gunnery Sergeant James M Bastien, USMC Retired.
Matt B
August 3, 2018
My late father fought in Mr. Lebarons company in Korea. Dad was the same age and at 63 probably stood out a little. My father was in the oil business in Oklahoma for over 50 years and although he hardly ever spoke about Korea, he liked to talk about Eddie.
He told me story of how dad asked Eddie what he wanted to do after the war and he told my father he would like to coach football. Well dad being an Oklahoma U football fan decided to write Sooner coach Bud Wilkinson and penned this info to him.
My father actually got a letter back from Coach Wilkinson in the field, he stated that he knew full well who Eddie Lebaron was and if the opportunity ever presented itself, he would be happy to have him on his staff.
Dad lost his bag returning from Korea along with the letter but I always thought it was great stuff.
Semper Fi.
Trevor Richardson
April 20, 2016
Hi
Crystal Goodpaster-Dupree
April 10, 2015
Mr. Eddie LeBaron, Zinfandel Grille Sacramento will miss you more than you will ever realize. We looked forward to your weekly dinner visits with your adorable wife, Doralee and both sons. You are such a well known person, yet you never showed how notorious you were. Always a sweet man and I adored talking about Texas and football with you. My husband, Lincoln Dupree Jr., was super surprised when I told him I have waited on you many times in the past. He played arena football for years, being a Grant HS Sac alumni. My prayers are with your family and I am honored to have been serving your family for the last 6 years. I cried while reading many of the war stories told about your leadership in Korea. My only regret is to not have gotten to know you more; your life was and will always be remembered as a true leader with amazing stories to beheld. Love always, Crystal Goodpaster-Dupree (Lake Jackson, Tx) now residing in Sacramento, Ca, Zinfandel Grille-Sacramento (2008-2015).
Douglass Wilhoit, Jr.
April 7, 2015
It was indeed a high honor and privilege for our family to have this true American Hero, great athlete and true gentleman be in our lives! God blessed us all with the presence of this man! May he rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers are with his family!!
April 7, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. He experienced and saw many things in his life. Take time to remember the wonderful times you had with him and rest assured that many are thinking of your family. And may our Heavenly Father provide your family with the comfort and support you need at this time. Romans 15:4
April 6, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
vic bulaich
April 5, 2015
A superb ball handler, put the fake into playing QB. New him later running casinos, didn't see any former NFL players in book, like Marines >>>>>>>>
marc palizzolo
April 5, 2015
eddie was my fathers platoon leader in korea. my father talked about him till the day he died about what a fearless leader eddis was. they were both wounded by the same mortar shell. my father always wanted to thank you for all you did for the marines under your command
Harry Simpson
April 4, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Liz
April 4, 2015
Your job is done here. Go rest in peace, Marine.
PETE CULLEN
April 4, 2015
Ed Lebaron was a great competitor and did well in the NFL ,thanks for your service in Korea!My condolences to his family and friends !R.I.P.
April 4, 2015
So sorry for your loss,may you be empowered by God's holy spirit and may you grow stronger in faith every day........
John Garza
April 3, 2015
Thank you Eddie for your tiring work and for the one of the best quarterback the Cowboys had!!! God Bless You!! John Garza
Rod Washington DC
April 3, 2015
My condolences to the family of the great Eddie Labaron. What an accomplished man he was. May the peace of God be with you~Rom 15:33.
April 3, 2015
Really enjoyed watching Mr. LeBaron play football; thank you for your military service, RIP, I salute you.
Frank J. Steck
April 3, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
April 3, 2015
Extending heartfelt condolences to family and friends on the passing of Eddie. May your precious memories warm your heart and give you peace during your time of grief.
Robert Culbertson
April 3, 2015
I was such a fan of Eddie Lebaron. He was such a excellent role model for young people. So sorry to ear of his passing. It is like losing an old friend.
Also watching YOU play in the NFL
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
Well Done, Semper Fidelis
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
RIP
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
Purple Heart
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
Bronze Star
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
"NEVER" Forgotten
Herb USMC
April 3, 2015
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
April 3, 2015
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in The Corps."The gates of heaven are well guarded now,by another Unites States MARINE". Thank YOU for your service, Eddie.............. And Semper Fi.
Joseph I. Gallegos
April 3, 2015
I remember Eddie and Merideth being "shuttling" quarterbacks as created by coach Tom Landry, they were all great. I am happy to hear that Eddie was also a war hero. God bless Eddie and his family.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 3, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
NInfa Carpenter
April 3, 2015
Sorry to hear about Eddie LeBaron one of my favorite Dallas Cowboys. Always the rival Washington Redskins. But, he did play Dallas Cowboy..I am happy. Our condolences to wife Doralee and family. Thannk You for sharing him with us Dallas Fans.
Scott Chamberland
April 2, 2015
Semper Fi
Richard Wilson
April 2, 2015
Uncle Eddie,
I remember our conversations about all things football. The day I got my Steve Bartkowski jersey from you.. Most of all visiting you with my pops when I was a teenager. We played catch for a spell.. to this day I still tell EVERYONE about that ! Thank you for the memories, and my undying love for all things football. Especially my Love for the Atlanta Falcons.
Love your nephew,
Richard ( Dick Jr ) Wilson.
D. J. Hytrek
April 2, 2015
Eddie and I landed in Korea in early 1951. I always remember the night before we landed he was in the wardroom breaking the cast off his arm. He had broken his wrist playing football at Quantico. I also remember the General at Camp Pendleton wanted to pull him off the replacement draft to play football at Camp Pendleton. Eddie told him you can pull me off the draft but I ain't playing football. I always admired him for that
Robert Sr Geraci
April 2, 2015
I am old enough to have watched Eddie play in the NFL. At the time, I had no idea that he also had served his country with honor in the U.S.M.C.
What an exemplary life he had, his family must be proud.. RIP Eddie.
jesus Rodriguez
April 2, 2015
Rest in peace eddie...once a cowboy,always a cowboy!
Bobby Wilcox
April 2, 2015
One of my all time favorite players in the history of football. More than that is my respect for the man and the person. Honor and integrity are shown to us properly by just a few in life. Eddie did that and was a wonderous gift to us from our maker above. I am truly sad, but grateful that he was part of our lives. God bless his memory and prayers go out to his family!
April 2, 2015
So sorry for the loss that you've experienced,may Almighty God be your arm..Matt.5:4......
Redskins Fan
April 2, 2015
Hail to the Redskins.
Don McKenna
April 2, 2015
Eddie LeBaron and I shared what was a horrible day. September 11, 1951.
Hill 673. North Korea.
On that day, I told him how much the men in his platoon admired him. He was platoon leader of 2nd platoon, Baker Company, 7th Marine Regiment.
My 1st platoon had made the initial try to take the hill. A highly unsuccessful attempt.
My role as a pfc rifleman was over from the try to take the hill. The corpsman told me I was to be evacuated and I was reluctant to leave.
He called Lt. LeBaron over and asked for help. In the rear view mirror it is funny. Not then. Eddie LeBaron simply picked me up, baby style, and carried me down the trail to the helicopter pad.
There was no discussion.
Once there he instructed two huge Marines to be sure I was placed on the helicopter and left to return to his platoon.
Yes, sir was the answer
His men did admire him. He was a true leader of Marines.
That is not a title that can earned without merit.
Semper Fi Eddie
G. Freeman
April 2, 2015
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
April 2, 2015
Thank you for your service to our country. It is brave men like you that make this nation great.
A grateful American
Jim Davis
April 2, 2015
I'll always remember "Mr. Lebaron" giving of his time in teaching me some of his ball handling techniques when I played back in the late 40's. Rest in peace.
John Popadak
April 2, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. May the Little General rest in peace.
Boyd Ellis
April 2, 2015
A great football player, when football was real...A greater man in life...May GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL EDDIE..I will pray to GOD to help your family find comfort and peace in your passing
CJ
April 2, 2015
May the true God heal your hearts and soothe your pains My deepest sympathies ( 1Cor 15:20-22)
richard ayala
April 2, 2015
I remember Eddie LeBaron as a QB for the Dallas Cowboys in the early '60s. May he rest in peace and condolences to his family.
April 2, 2015
The Lebaron Family,
Eddie was a legend at COP, in the military and the NFL but he started his career at OJUHS. (Oakdale High Mustangs) He was our legend. RIP Eddie. Ron Carter(OJUHS-61)
David Graves
April 2, 2015
A great American veteran who happened to be a darn good QB! Thanks for his service and huge heart. Condolences to his family and thank you for all the great memories as he will be missed! May GOD bless your family.
Frank Wanken
April 2, 2015
Dear Family of Eddie LeBaron,
So sorry for your lost! As a Baltimore Colts fan I always knew we were in for a tough game when Eddie was playing. A true football and military hero has left us.
With Sympathy,
Richard Perry
April 2, 2015
Eddie, rest in peace. You were famous, a member of the College Football and Marine Corps Halls of Fame, yet you always had time to be friendly and gracious to me,when I drove you frequently to and from your office when picking up your car at Hubacher Cadillac. My condolences to the family.
Ken Stalls
April 2, 2015
Eddie Lebaron was one of my first football heroes. As I learned more about him through the years, he became even more respected and appreciated. As a Washington Redskins life long fan, he was always the highlight of every game to me. Professional football and major league sports in general need many more Eddie Lebarons. My sincerest condolences to each member of your family.
April 2, 2015
My condolences to the family.May our heavenly father (2 Cor. 1:2-4)comfort and bring peace in this most difficult time. BM/NC
Thomas Smith
April 2, 2015
R.I.P MR LEBARON (#14) My Condolences To Your Family And Friends, You Will Be Sadly Missed By Cowboys Nation And Myself. You Will Always Be Remembered As The TOUGHEST LITTLE QB IN THE NFL.
April 2, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Bill Wright
April 2, 2015
Great On field leader,War Hero! My favorite Dallas QB ever! The only QB the great Chuck Bednairk who just passed away a few weeks ago, had a deep respect for! RIP!
Ed Haines
April 2, 2015
The Quarterback's Quarterback. What a distinguished life of accomplishment!
John Wayne Campbell
April 2, 2015
Thank you for being the model for small men, with big hearts, competing in a big man's game. You are a source of pride, example of leadership and profile in courage for all.
s l lambert
April 2, 2015
best wishes to all you during this sad time. me lebaron lead our team and our city thru some dark times , we remember and we are grateful
Jack Donahue
April 2, 2015
Rest in peace, Marine. Semper Fi.
Bill Gardner
April 2, 2015
As a young boy in the 1950's I idolized Mr. LeBaron and those sometimes helpless Redskins. I was devastated when he went to the Cowboys. Obviously he was a great individual that accomplished much beyond football. RIP, and condolences to the family.
Adrian Barnette
April 2, 2015
We'll miss you !
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