Leonard Eugene Pacha

Leonard Eugene Pacha, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on 26 April 2015. He is survived by six brothers and sisters; his wife of 56 years, Joan; his daughter Laura; and his son Robert (Missy and children Anna Brooks, Caroline and Brabson) and many nieces and nephews, including Susan (Miguel and children Joseph, Alaina and Madelyn). Born in Marysville, Kansas in 1931, Leonard graduated from Kansas State University. In addition to his academic achievements, he was a wrestler and football player. In 1954, he entered the Army. A field artillery officer, he went on to become an Airborne Ranger. During his twenty-two year military career, he served in Korea, Germany, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. He logged 37 jumps, and placed in numerous pistol marksmanship competitions. His last active duty assignment was at the Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS. During his varied career, he earned three Bronze Stars, two Army Meritorious Service medals, an Army Commendation medal, and two unit citations among others. Upon retirement, he returned to El Paso with his family, where he received an MBA at UTEP. After serving as an accountant, he continued to volunteer at Fort Bliss. He also served St. Matthew’s Catholic Church as an usher for over 30 years. After retirement, Leonard also became an avid bridge player, reaching Silver Life Master and serving as treasurer of the El Paso Duplicate Bridge Club. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 North Resler, El Paso, Texas 79912. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 400 West Sunset Road, El Paso, Texas 79922. Interment will be at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund, the American Diabetes Association or Catholic Charities. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net