L Listing
Post Members Submitted
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Charles H. Ling
Ross Neilon Post 122, Yreka
Charles H. Ling, Commander of Post 122, District passed away 8/29/07. Services are pending. Cards may be sent to his wife at 630 South Street, Yreka, CA 96097.
Respectfully... Jan Price, District 2 Chaplain | top |
Carl P. "John" Lewis
Herman Granados Post 739, Indio
Carl P. "John" Lewis, 87, of Indio, CA passed away on August 17, 2007. He was born on May 25, 1920 in Falmouth, MA and lived there for 16 years before moving to California in 1936. He resided in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley since 1943.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo Granados Lewis; mother Clara Rose; and three brothers, Joe, Frances, and Patrick. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Parret and Nene Ferreira; a daughter Patricia Lopez; a son John C. Lewis; four grand children, Steven E. Lopez, Cathy Van Horn, Chris Lewis and Fawna Lewis; and six great grandchildren.
John served in the Army from 1942 until 1946 and was a member of the American Legion Herman Granados Post #739 in Indio, CA. He was also a member and bartender at the Elks Lodge BPOE #1905 in Indio. He worked at Kaiser Steel Fontana, CA as a crane operator for 27 years. Upon retiring John returned to the Coachella Valley and worked as a handyman and helped many neighbors, family and friends take care of their properties for more than 25 years. John's ashes will join his wife, Cleo at the Coachella Valley Cemetery in the burial site of Cleo's mother, Juanita Granados Rodarte.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi in La Quinta, CA on Friday, August 24, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. The family requests memorial donations be made to the American Legion Herman Granados Post #739 in Indio. | top | E. George Leimann Sr., 77, of Rancho Cucamonga, died April 14, 2007 at home. Born July 20, 1929 in Toledo, Ohio, he was a local resident for 42 years. Mr. Leimann was employed by the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department in the automotive department. He was a lifetime member and past president for 10 years of the Rancho Cucamonga Service Club; a lifetime member and commander for several years of the American Legion Post 83 5; a lifetime member and past commander (3 times) of the VFW Post 8680; and a member of the Rancho Cucamonga Citizens Patrol since it started. Mr. Leimann thought of everyone at the Sheriff's Dept. as his family. He will be loved and missed by everyone whose heart and life he touched. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Leimann and his parents, Ted and Emily Leimann.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary C. Leimann; sons, E. George Leimann Jr. and Randy W. Leimann; sisters, Rhonda Kesling and Carol Hanely; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 22, 2007 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Stone Chapel. Services will be held Monday, April 23 at 9 a.m. at Stone Chapel. Burial will follow at Riverside National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Dept. Citizen's Patrol in memory of E. George Leimann Sr. Stone Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. | top |
Ernest Franklin Lane
Southside Post 662, Sacramento, CA
Born February 23, 1919 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and entered into rest on January 9, 2007 in Sacramento, California.
Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dorothy, beloved father of Sandra Lane, son-in-law, James Worley, adoring grandson, Matthew Ernest Lane, sisters Frances Patten (Pat), Jean Pittenger (James), sister-in-law of Marion Wells (Buck), numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Ruby, brothers Ewin Lane and Edgar Lane, and sister-in-law Mildred Guinee.
In his younger years he loved bowling, golf, doing stained glass, and gardening. In the past two years, he became a gourmet cook, much to the delight of his family and friends. He will be remembered as a loving man, who was kind to all, one who loved life, and many dear friends. Ernie was a member of SIRS Branch 50, Chervon Retirees Association, The American Legion Post #0662, First Baptist Church of Sacramento, and the Friendship class in that church.
Family and friends are invited to the Memorial Service on Sunday, January 14, 2007, at 12:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Sacramento, 2324 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Remembrances may be made to First Baptist Church at the address above. | top |
Thomas "Ski" Laskowski
Highland Post 421, Highland
 USAF MASTER SERGEANT (RET) THOMAS "SKI" LASKOWSKI 59, went to the open arms of Our Lord in the early morning of January 5, 2007, at home peacefully. Known by his friends as `Ski' he served his country, family and friends with honor and distinction. Thomas was born July 17, 1947, in Johnson City, New York.
He joined the United States Air Force at age 17 and proudly served 20 years, including 3 one-year tours in Korea and a four-year tour in Germany. MSgt Laskowski had earned numerous awards and service medals for his exceptional talent in vehicle maintenance and avionics by the time he retired in 1984 in San Bernardino, CA.
The residents of San Bernardino benefited from Ski's talent in fleet vehicle maintenance as he was responsible for Courtesy Ambulance's emergency vehicles during his civilian career for 10 years. Ski ran the Ambulance vehicle fleet maintenance with military precision ensuring reliable and dependable emergency transport services during 911 emergencies. Ski was quick to help out friends and family but stubborn to ask of any help for himself. While working for an automotive company he injured his back while trying to move an engine, by himself. His injury caused him to take disability and fully retire from his automotive passion.
Thomas remained active in his retired life as a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. He also enjoyed his grandchildren, golf, motorcycles, gardening, wood working, playing with his dogs, darts and cooking. Above all else he loved to tell jokes and stories with his friends and family. Ski was proud of his Polish heritage and loved to have a good time.
Thomas was survived by Lydia Laskowski, sons Thomas and David, brothers Jack (NJ) and Mark (NY) Laskowski, sister Jane Bednar (NY), three grandchildren Ciano (TX), Tori and Tyler Laskowski (MD), many nieces, nephews, cousins and Chong Su. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Mary Laskowski and his brother Eddie Laskowski.
Visitation will be held at Montecito Memorial Park on January 9th from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm. Services will be on January 10th and will begin at 11:00 am with Mass at Saint Adelaide Church with burial service at 12:30 pm at Montecito Memorial Park.
| top |  Leodegario "Leo" Adrias Luabena, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning Dec. 30, 2006, at age 78 after a long and remarkably courageous battle with a multitude of health issues.
Born in San Dionisio, Iloilo, Philippines, on Oct. 1, 1928, Leo served 20 years in the United States Army. As a Vietnam veteran, he retired in Hawaii and moved to Oxnard in 1973. A few places of assignment included Georgia, Washington, California, Okinawa, Thailand and Germany. He provided security for Hughes Aircraft Co. and for the Port Hueneme Construction Battalion Center, during which time he also earned an associate degree through Ventura College.
Leo was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifelong American Legion member.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Bernardita "Nena;" children, Nestor of Camarillo, Darlene of Oxnard, Leah of Madera, Randy of Cerritos and Ethel of Madera; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, and from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at James A. Reardon-Payton Mortuary. Recitation of the rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, also at the mortuary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Santa Clara Church, 323 South E St., Oxnard. Interment will immediately follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H St., Oxnard.
| top |  Elmer Harrison Landis died Monday morning, January 1, 2007 at the age of 90 following a series of debilitating strokes and issues with Parkinson's. Elmer was born February 25th 1916, in Hanford, CA to William Henry Landis of Dayton, Ohio and Margret Ellen (Meadows) Landis of Hanford. He grew up on the C.M. Gifford & Sons Ranch near Murray, CA where his father was a ranch superintendent. With an outgoing personality Elmer made many friends and honed his appetite for competition and sportsmanship. In his time Elmer enjoyed track and field, weightlifting, softball, ping pong, eightball, ring toss, and horseshoe pitching.
He was always there to help friends old and new – and if he ever failed the first try, he just wasn't holding his tongue right. At grammar school in Kettleman City his Aunt Gertie made him the designated rattlesnake killer. He attended Hanford High where he excelled at track and field and placed in the State meet. Shortly after graduating from Hanford High he met his sweetheart and wife, Bernita Huffman of nearby Armona. Following high school, Elmer worked in the oilfields near Coaling. Elmer also gained a reputation as one of the best horseshoe pitchers in California. He would get challengers from as far as Los Angeles who couldn't beat the Ringer of Kings County. In 1941, he and Bernita married in Reno.
During World War II, Elmer enlisted in the Army as a mechanic serving at the same time as his brother, Captain Robert (Bob) Landis. Elmer was a Master Mechanic rising to the rank of Sergeant T-3 in the 3508th Ordnance Battalion which saw action as part of 1st Army, 3rd Army and 9th Army from Normandy, France to Berchtesgarden, Germany. Elmer came home a new dad to Gary who was born in 1945. His second son, Larry came along in 1947. Elmer took up a series of jobs as an oil field mechanic near Avenal to make sure his family would always be cared for. In 1955, the family moved to Bakersfield where Elmer carried on his competitive streak in horseshoes, when he was not working hard as an Operating Engineer for Union Local 12. He was a founding member of the Bakersfield Shoe-Crew, became a world champion, and won numerous state titles. He was inducted into the Southern California Horseshoe Pitching Hall of Fame. One of his proudest horseshoe moments was inventing the horseshoe hook, which he loved to give to his friends. Following retirement in 1991, Elmer was the epitome of an active senior citizen. He loved to dance at the Rasmussen Senior Center and the Fairfax Grange. He could be seen at local parks tending to the horseshoe pits or finding things with his metal detector. He was an avid swimmer, traveler, loved to read, dance, play music on his harmonica and write poetry. He'll be remembered as fun-loving, honest, hard-working and very industrious.
Elmer is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Bernita; son, Gary Landis and his wife, Pam; son, Larry Landis and his wife, Susan; grandson, Brian Landis and his wife, Melissa and great-granddaughter, Kari; grandson, Griffin Landis and his wife, Elaine and great-granddaughter, Olivia; granddaughter, Erin Landis, all of Bakersfield; granddaughter, Michelle Ville and great-grandson, Jacob, of St Paul, MN; Elmer's brother, Robert "Bob" Landis of Hanford; nephew, Bill and his and his wife, Mary Ann of Hanford and their children and grandchildren; nephew, Rick Landis and his wife, Lee of Hanford and their children and grandchildren and numerous cousins and friends all of whom could expect a friendly handshake, kiss and an open door from Elmer.
Elmer was a member of Eagles Lodge Airey 93 and American Legion Post 682.
In keeping with Elmer's wishes, no funeral service will be held. Family and friends will be invited to a memorial celebration. Elmer expressed his appreciation to Evergreen Nursing Home before passing and prayed that he could rejoin his family someday in heaven.
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Roy Lambert Sr.
Hyland Post 53, Hemet
 ROY LAMBERT, SR. Age 86, passed away at the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital, 12/09/2006. Born Feb. 05, 1920 in Sioux City, IA. Resided in Hemet for 12 years with his spouse, Stella, they were married June 24, 1972 in Las Vegas, NV.
Roy served in WWII in the European Campaign. Roy was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Elks Lodge #1740, American Legion, enjoyed bowling and loved dancing.
Preceded in death by his son, William, and his brother, Orville. Survived by his wife, Stella of Hemet; son, Roy, Jr. (Mary Ann) of WA; 4 daughters, Connie Little (Russell) of CA., Gloria Peterson (Bud) of Hemet, Debbie (Ron) Esser of CA., Betty (Clarence) Masterson of CA; 6 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and special four legged friend, Annie.
In lieu of flowers family request donations to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Veterans Administration Hospital Volunteer Services.
Services Fri., Dec. 22, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with graveside at Riverside National Cemetery, 2:00 PM, Staging Area #1
| top | John Russell Lamer Sr. passed away December 5, 2006 at the age of 76. John was retired from the Army as an Office Machine Technician. He was a member of American Legion Post #3 and Disabled American Veterans.
John is survived by his wife, Evelyn Lamer, Lincoln, NE; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Lori Lamer, John Jr. and Jan Lamer, all of Lincoln, NE., William Lamer, Palm Springs, CA; grandchild and spouse, Elizabeth and Scott Svatos; grandchildren, Samuel Lamer, John Lamer, Sean Lamer and Spencer Lamer; brother, Claude Lamer; sister, Marge O'Connor. He was preceded in death by his mother, Blanche; brothers, Robert and Emmett; sisters, Geraldine, Frances and Lois.
Rosary Sun., 12/10/06 at 6pm at Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home. Visitation Mon., 12/11, 9-10am with mass at 10am, both at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 77th and Trendwood Dr.
Memorials may be sent to American Cancer Society. | top |
Lucien "Luke" Latulippe
Owen Coffman Post 519, Palm Springs
Lucien "Luke" Latulippe, 74, of Palm Springs, California passed away November 13, 2006, in Palm Springs, Calif. of heart failure.
He was born January 19, 1932, to Leonidas Latulippe and Rosa Eva Latulippe in Quebec, Canada. He was an outside installation supervisor for Palm Springs Welding for 25 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 519.
He is survived by his sisters, Huguette Choquette of Palm Springs, Calif., Patricia Vaillancourt of Quebec, Canada, Claudette Langlois of Quebec, Canada and Micheline Viens of Quebec, Canada; his brothers, Marcel "Mike" Latulippe of Palm Springs, Calif. and Gaston Latulippe of Quebec, Canada.
Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 25, 2006 at American Legion Post 519, 400 N. Belardo, Palm Springs, CA.
The family suggests memorials to American Legion Post 519. | top |  I received word today that our Fourth District Commander William L. LaDoucher went to Post Everlasting 10/11/06 at 1:15 P.M. Commander LaDoucher had Pneumonia.
Please send cards and letters to his wife Barbara at 572 Glennwood Ln., Willows, CA. 95988.
GRAVESIDE SERVICES: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 2:00 P.M.
Willows Veterans Cemetery
Respectfully... Bill Siler iii
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I am saddened to inform you that Commander William L. LaDoucer of District #4 is now in Post Everlasting. I had planned to visit Commander LaDoucer. I met him at the last D.E.C. I found him to be a charming person and dedicated Legionnaire and I had accepted his invitation to pay him a visit.
I spoke with First Lady Barbara LaDoucer who thanks the Legion and those who supported him as District Commander. She said that after 30 years as a Legionnaire he was proud to have been elected to his post. He also was involved with the 40/8 and the PCC.
Military Service: William joined the Air Force in 1953 for 6 years then discharged only to join the U.S. Army 30 days later. William served a total of 33 years of Military Service to our Country. He was a Korean War Veteran.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara who plans on attending the D.E.C. and the next state convention, as her husband dedicated so much of his life to his fellow Legionnaires.
He was Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota and made California his home, He leaves behind his loving Wife Barbara, 3 Daughters, 1 son, 6 Grand Children and 5 Great Grand children.
Respectfully... Richard A. Ledesma Sr., District 17 Commander
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Theodore Charles “Ted” Leonard
James McDermott Post 172, Tracy
Aug 14, 1938 — Jun 18, 2006
 A military burial was conducted in Phoenix for Theodore Charles “Ted” Leonard, 67, of Phoenix, who died May 18 after a brief illness.
Born in Minneapolis, Mr. Leonard lived in Tracy six years in the 1970s and from 1987 to 1999. He attended grade school and high school in Phoenix. At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed basic training at Camp Parks in Dublin. His military career took him to Europe, Turkey, Korea and Southeast Asia. In the ’70s,he worked at Sharpe Depot in Lathrop and at Tracy Community Memorial Hospital. In October 2003, he retired from St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco after 24 years as the chief of biomedical services.
While in Tracy, he was a member of the James McDermott Post 172 of the American Legion from 1995 to 1999, serving as commander from 1997 to 1999. He also served 21 years in the California State Military Reserve, retiring in June 2005.
In February 2005, he returned to Phoenix, where he became ill earlier this year.
Mr. Leonard is survived by his son, Joey Leonard of Katy, Texas; grandsons, Justin Dias of Tracy, and Jacob and Lane Leonard, both of Liberty, Texas; a sister and a brother, both of Phoenix; longtime friend, Judy Leonard of the Bay Area; and several nieces, nephews and new friends.
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Larry Sterling Lattman
Veterans Home Post 306, Yountville
April 8, 1935 - January 14, 2006
Larry Lattman came to the Veterans Home of California, at Yountville, on April 24, 1998 and quickly became one of the Home's greatest advocates and spokesmen. Beginning in the Public Affairs Office as a tour guide, he mastered the history of the Home and it's unique community of "Veterans Helping Veterans," and brought it to life for visitors. A widely read student of military history, he had a knack for seeking out Home Members who had participated in various military operations and getting them to tell their story to others, and to the media. After establishing himself as the public "face and voice" of the Home, Larry turned his attention to it's internal affairs when asked by other members to run for the office of Chairman of the Allied Council. His winning personality and genuine caring earned him two terms in office, during which he forged strong bonds of trust and mutual respect with the Members, the Home's Administration, the Napa Valley Community, and elected leaders in Sacramento and Washington. Larry was a healer, a builder, and a leader who understood what it was to be a veteran, and how to get things done for a noble cause. He was the first Veterans Home member to be appointed as a full, voting member of the California Veterans Board, the advisory body that sets the State's policy on veterans issues. After stepping down as Chairman of the Allied Council, Larry remained active as the Council's Legislative Liaison, and served as a member of the National Legislative Committee of The American Legion. He was also a member of a number of other veterans’ organizations including the Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, Navy League, and AMVETS. Born in Los Angeles, Larry attended Hollywood High School, and served during the Korean War in the US Army with valor and distinction. He served with the Israeli army as a small arms specialist, and lived in Israel until 1958. After leaving Israel, he went to Mexico, where he owned and operated a jungle cruise in Mazatlan for seven years as "Jungle Jim." He became well known internationally by such celebrities as David Brinkley and Robert Mitchum whom he met, charmed, and befriended as tourists in Mazatlan. After the loss of his left arm in an accident in 1968, he became a tireless advocate to help others by sharing the creative ways he invented to cope with living with a disability, including a set of shears that he hoped one day would be issued to every amputee. His two beloved sisters, Darlene Lattman of Agoura Hills, California and Rosalyn Stock of Lincoln, California and their families survive him. Larry Lattman was laid to rest with his comrades in the Veterans Home Cemetery today. A "Celebration of Life" ceremony honoring his colorful life and his impact on so many others was held in conjunction with his burial service. Larry will be remembered for many things, but above all as a patriot who served his country well, and took care of his comrades until his final day. | top |
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