Leonard Ross Stowers' Obituary
Lt. Col. Leonard Ross Stowers, USAF (Ret.) was born December 19, 1924 to John Millard and Dell McNutt Stowers in Dallas, Texas. He died at the age of 92 on May 4, 2017. During the depression he moved with his family to a family farm outside Terrell Texas. He did not care for farm life after the City, but met as he liked to say, “the most beautiful girl I have ever seen”. Ross entered aviation cadet training in 1943 after graduating from high school. He subsequently married Helen Wieland (the most beautiful girl he had ever seen) on April 12, 1945 after graduating from aviation training and being commissioned a 2nd Lt. The marriage was blessed by the birth of two sons Kevin Ross and wife Judith Stowers and Jeffery Charles and wife Debby Stowers. He is also survived by granddaughter Sarah Stowers, grandson Gregory Stowers and wife Karen, Sawyer Stowers and wife Jennifer, granddaughter Casey Stowers, grandson Russell Stowers, grandson Samuel Stowers, great-granddaughters Olivia Lewis and Amelia Stowers and a soon to be third great-grandchild. Ross served 23 years in the USAF. He flew or was assigned to units flying B-25s, B-17s, F-86s, F91-Cs, F-89s, F-102s and F-106s. He is was a veteran of WW-II, Korea and Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, his recommendations became the basis for the initial creation of the South Viet Nam’s Air Force in 1963-64. His final assignment with the Air Force was as a Wing Maintenance Officer. After retiring from the Air Force, he held a number of positions which included working for Braniff Airlines and retiring from Air Treads. His military career carried him to Asia, Canada and across the United States. His one vow concerning his travels when asked where he planned to retire to, was “I don’t know, but if there are any birch trees, I am too far north”. Ross was preceded in death by his wife Helen on September 12, 2012 after nearly 67 years of marriage. Ross’s devotion to Helen is demonstrated by his enduring care for her at home as she suffered from the effects of Altzheimers. It is with faith and love that Ross goes to join the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Restland Funeral Home. The funeral service for Leonard will be held at 12:30 PM, Monday, May 8, 2017 in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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