LTC LEONARD A. BOULAS (Ret)
Leonard “Len” Boulas passed away peacefully March 10, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife “Toby” Boulas in 2003, and still wears his ring to this day. He was also preceded by his father Anthony Boulas, mother Kathryn, and sisters Phyllis and Helen. Len is survived by his three children: Scott and wife Cassandra, Kevin and wife Amy, and Kelly and husband Rodney. He was the proud and loving grandfather to twelve grandchildren: Patrick, Jenna, Hannah, Claire, Laura, Mary Grace, Mark, Ally, Isabella, Brody, Zach, and Matthew. Len was also blessed with five great grandchildren: Evan, Brock, Boden, Julia, and Thea. Len loved his family deeply and will be missed greatly. He was a joy to be with and shared so many stories of his life and the world he has seen. Our lives are richer because he shared.
Len was born in Uniontown, PA November 9, 1935. His family moved to Elmira, NY where he spent the majority of his youth. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy and went on to Syracuse University to study and play football. Much to his father’s chagrin, Len and his friends voluntarily signed up for the draft and began serving in 1954. This changed the course of Len’s life. He became and will always be a soldier. Len served in Berlin, two tours in Vietnam, Norway, and Korea. He was an Airborne Ranger Special Forces Officer and original member of Project Delta in Vietnam. Before retiring from the Army, Len achieved the rank of Lt Colonel and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Master Parachutist Badge, among his many U.S. and foreign decorations. Len was so proud to have served and was a Ranger to the end.
Following his military retirement, Len moved the family to Colorado and served there as the Director of Emergency Operations for the State. Len also taught Emergency Management courses through a local college. Following retirement from the State of Colorado, Len and Toby spent two years traveling in an RV before finally moving to Las Cruces, NM. They both loved their life here and Las Cruces became home.
Len also spent a great deal of time serving others. In Colorado he served on local water conservation boards and with Toby as Lions. In Las Cruces, Len and Toby continued to serve as Lions. Len was also a member of the ESGR and spent terms as both Secretary and President. Until his passing Len was also an active member of the Las Cruces Special Forces Association Chapter 80. Len was a lifetime member of the Special Forces Association, the U.S. Army Ranger Association, the Special Operations Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Len loved to spend time with family and friends, telling stories, sharing memories, laughter, and a few tears. All who knew Len knew him to be a great man, and we are all lucky to have known him. We lost a hero March 10, and we will focus on honoring him each day. We will miss you, rest in peace.
Visitation will begin at 3 PM Friday, March 22, 2024, at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Funeral Service at 4 PM. Interment will take place at a later date. Burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, Colorado at a later date.
Services will be live streamed at https://www.bacastream.com/
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to The Gary Sinise Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com
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