Lee Van Leonard, 92, died Dec. 29, 2012, at his home in Vero Beach.
He was born in Bloomington, Ind., and lived in Vero Beach and Glen Arbor, Mich.
He served in World War II as an Air Force captain, flying B-25 bombers in the European Theater where he received the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.
He flew 68 B-25 missions over Italy and France, which was 18 more than the required 50.
After the war, he returned to Bloomington, Ind., and operated Leonard’s Linen Service & Home Laundry with his brother.
He was also a part-time pilot for the Indiana University Foundation, flying athletic teams & dignitaries.
He was featured in the History Channel’s documentary on the history of B-25s.
He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Vero Beach.
He attended Principia College in Elsah, Ill.
Survivors include his wife, Nadine Alt-Leonard, daughters, Daryl Ann Leonard and Joanne Leonard, both of Micco; stepdaughter, Candy Crowley, of Bethesda, Md.; stepson, Howard Alt, of Union Star, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert F. Leonard; sister, Sally Ann Fulkerson; and first wife, Nancy Parsons Van Leonard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Principia College, 13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.
No memorial service is planned. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
