Raymond Lebel

1923 - 2011

Raymond "Bud" Lebel passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2011 at the age of 87, just shy of his 88th birthday Aug. 3, 1923.

Born in L.A., CA. he spent most of his life in Burbank when his family moved here from Grand Rapids, MI. At the age of 17 and many problems in school, his father Louis had him join the navy during WWII it was then that he became a boxer and his love of guns grew. He survived Pearl Harbor and was on the USS Utah when it went down; the memory of that day never went away.

Bud went on to build his own boats and started his own business Lebel Boats, he set out to win records for the fastest and best boats. he then went on to build hot rods and other cars for the studio's and movie stars always doing the things he loved the best. He worked for Lockheed for 28 years where he has Top Secret Clearance and was in Skunk works where he was able to work on amazing projects such as the F-117 and F-22.

What most people will remember is his love of fast boats, fast cars, women, family and good friends of which he had many, being a member of Road Peasants car club and the years of fun that had been, being on the ocean, on a lake with a Budweiser in one hand and a tool in the other a jack of all trades with a joke and a quick wit to boot.

He was preceded in death by parents Louis and Esther Lebel, brother Richard Lebel. He is survived by Judi Sansosti, Ron Lebel, Cyndi Lebel, Rachelle (Gordon) ward, Blake Ward, his little Puddy Cat and many good friends. But to his best friend who was like his son Tom Thompson, our family thanks you for the years of joy and companionship you brought him. Just like it was an honor for you Our Hero to serve on the USS Utah, it was an honor to serve you as well. =Rest now uncle, no more cancer, no more Parkinson's, no more struggles.

Services will be held on Sat. July 23 at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, arrangements in care of Del Angel Conrad & James Reardon Mortuary.