Leon R. Conley

07/26/1926 - 05/04/2011

CONLEY, Leon R. "Lee"

Born July 26, 1926, in Kensington, Kansas; passed away May 4, 2011, Chattaroy, WA. Leon was a member of the "Greatest Generation," enlisting in the Army in 1943 at the age of 17. He was with the U.S. Army Air Corp and later in the U.S. Air Force. Leon served in World War II and Korea and was honorably discharged in 1951, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. He married his soul-mate, Shirley, in 1951, started a family, and moved to the Chattaroy area in 1957. Leon worked for Peoples Lumber until 1969. An industrial accident allowed him to go back to school and he became an industrial draftsman, and worked for R.A. Hanson until his retirement. He loved square dancing, camping, and fishing with friends and family. Leon is survived by his brother Thomas (Mickie) Conley of Bellingham, WA; brother Henry (Pat) Norris, Apache Junction, AZ; and sister Ann (Laurel) Tobler, Spokane, WA; five sons: Dan (Diane) Conley of Chattaroy, Tim (LaRayne) Conley of Spokane, Steve Conley of Kennewick, Mark (Susan) Conley of Camano Island, and Matt (Joanna) Conley of Chattaroy; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Archie and Lylles Conley, brothers Ernest and Archie, and sister Charlene. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ's Church of Deer Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Inland Northwest chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 910 W. 5th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204. The family wishes to extend deepest appreciation to the staff at Chattaroy Pines Adult Family Care Home for the outstanding care they provided Lee.