Leon Joe Palash

Leon Joe Palash, 83 of Abilene, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 9. 2017.  A graveside service will be conducted with full military honors on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Abilene, under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors.

Leon was born on October 16, 1934 in Brenham, Texas and was raised by his mother Julia Wroblewski Bell and his step-father, William “Bill” Bell.  Following his graduation from high school, Leon joined the U.S. Air Force in March of 1952.  Leon would spend the next 20 years serving his country as a Food Service Specialist and earned the rank of Staff Sargent.   Following his retirement from the Air Force, Leon took his skills to the Abilene State School where he worked for 24 years as a supervisor.  On July 21, 1995, Leon married Lydia Flores, his loving wife of 22 years.  Leon was devoted to his family and his friends and the Houston Texans!

Leon was preceded in death by his mother Julia and his step-father William Bell, his brother Kirby Palash, his grandparents and 13 aunts and uncles.  He is survived by his wife Lydia Palash of Abilene; son Michael Palash; step-daughters Nikki Woodard of Abilene, Brandi Lahanas and husband Harry of Mustang, Oklahoma and Stephanie Mees and husband Aaron of Friendswood, Texas; brothers Rusty Bell and Phillip Bell of Brenham and Jimmy Bell of Edmond, Oklahoma; sister Vivian (Palash) Raska and husband James of Brenham; sister-in-law Linda Palash of Pensacola, Florida; 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Leon touched the hearts of many and will truly be missed.