Keith Leslie

Lt. Col. Keith Pat Leslie was born March 17, 1929 in Lafayette, Indiana. He passed peacefully into eternal rest on May 26, 2017 surrounded by family. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1947 and was educated at Purdue University. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951.

In February, 1952, he entered Aviation Cadet Training school. He graduated a pilot and 2ND Lieutenant in March of 1953. He served in the U. S. Air Force for twenty years, honorably discharged, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1971. He flew more than seventy combat missions in Southeast Asia. He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Korean Services Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Armed Forces Longevity Award, Small Arms Ribbon and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters.

During his Air Force career, Keith flew the T-6, B-25, C-45, C-46, and C-47. C-119, and C-133 aircraft.

After retirement from the Air Force he was employed as a pilot for Overseas National Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Zantop Airlines, piloting Lockheed L-188 Electra Aircraft from 1972 until his second retirement in 1994.

At the conclusion of his aviation career he had flown more than twenty-four thousand hours throughout the world as pilot in command.

He was the son of the late Arthur Herman Leslie and the late Virginia Annis Leslie. He was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Leslie Martin, a brother Dan Leslie and his daughter Susan Jane Leslie.

He is survived by his wife Del Ward Napier Leslie. Children Holly Anne Leslie, Steven Clay Leslie, and Elizabeth Jo Leslie Poulsen. Stepdaughter Hannah Napier Warren (Virgil), grandchildren Sarah Elizabeth Poulsen and Laura Susanne Poulsen, step grandchildren Hendley Ross Holleman, and Mary Delores Crabb (Alex).

Services are planned June 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Macon, Georgia. There will be a reception at the Church immediately following the service. Burial with full military honors will be private in Lafayette, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: Reid Animal Rescue 3823 Highway 41 S, Forsyth, GA 31029 or Museum of Aviation Foundation 1942 Heritage Blvd, Robins AFB, GA 31098.