Walter J. LeDoux
Dec. 23, 1949 - Jan. 17, 2024
KEIZER, OR – Walter J. LeDoux, a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at the age of 74 at his home in Keizer, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, of natural causes. His departure leaves a proud and grateful family, as well as a community of admirers mourning his loss.
Walt was born Dec. 23, 1949, in Woodburn, Ore., to Joseph and Lorraine LeDoux. His daughter, Jaclyn LeDoux Lyman, and her husband, Nicholas Lyman, survive him, providing him with immense joy throughout his life.
In addition to Jaclyn, Walt is survived by his brother, John LeDoux and spouse, Lisa of Battle Ground, Wash.; sisters, JoAnn LeDoux of Vancouver, Wash., and Annette LeDoux of Naperville, Ill. He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy LeDoux; and is remembered as "Uncle Wally" by nieces and nephews, including Greg and Jessica LeDoux of Milwaukie, Ore., Steve and Karen LeDoux of Vancouver, Wash., Traci and Sean Ryan of Vancouver, Wash., Lori and Jamie LeDoux of Houston, Texas, and Eddie and Maggie Adams of Naperville, Ill., along with their respective children.
Walt was a 1967 graduate of Central Catholic High School and attended Mt. Hood Community College. In 1967 he enlisted in the Oregon Air National Guard at the Portland Air Base and became an airborne avionics technician, working on F-101 VooDoo airborne radar systems for the 142nd Fighter Interceptor Group and was hired on as a full-time air technician to maintain the radars on the fleet of their aircraft. In 1976 Walt was commissioned as an officer and became an Air Weapons Director in command and control systems for the 116th Tactical Control Squadron. Walt not only earned his master controller badge there, but he was also credited with the successful integration of the unit with the North American Air Defense Command's regional control center at McChord AFB, WA, which significantly expanded the operational control and defense of the Pacific Northwest's coastal airspace. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Major.
In 1976 Walt gave up his full time Air Technician job to become an officer and joined John and Tim, at Preloc Security Systems, which provided home and medical facility fire and security systems. In 1986 Walt and John founded and operated Plexsys Interface Products, Inc., a digital modeling and simulation software company. Walt was married to Debra Watros (Hedding) from 1980 – 1986. In 1982 their daughter Jaclyn was born and she followed in her father's footsteps by graduating from Central Catholic High School in 2000. Walt was a passionate supporter of the school throughout his life.
Passionate about the outdoors, Walt found joy in living on floating homes along the Columbia River and the Parrothead lifestyle. He embraced water skiing, white-water rafting, and fishing, sharing these activities generously with family and friends. His love for boats led him to become a boat driver for the Portland Water Spectacular Show Ski Team in 1994, supporting his daughter's passion for show skiing.
An avid snow skier, Walt explored the slopes of Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor with loved ones. He also relished bow hunting, mushroom hunting, and entertained alleged sasquatch sightings.
Memorial services and a celebration of Walt's life allowing family and friends to gather and honor the legacy of a man who touched the lives of many has been scheduled. Interested parties can get service information by emailing the funeral home. [email protected]
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Published by The Oregonian from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, 2024.