From: Edwards Leard Obituary (1931 - 2024) - Reno, NV - The Antelope Valley Press (legacy.com)

Edwards R "Ed" Leard

1931 - 2024

Edward "Ed" R. Leard November 21, 1931 - July 30, 2024.  Edward "Ed" R. Leard left this earth on July 30, 2024, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Ed was in the company of his loved ones as they supported him on his departure with a kiss on the cheek, a gentle hug and silent tears. The important people that Ed left behind are his three children, Gail Leard of Reno, NV., Michael Leard of Tehachapi, CA., and Wanda Spillane of Reno, NV., three Grandchildren, Raegan Huckaby, Ty Reid, and Robert Lind, brother, Jack Leard (Sue) of Mariposa and sister, Margie Waters of Springfield, MO. and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his Beloved Girlfriend Yvonne Rey and her children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Goldie and Homer Leard, brothers Max Leard and Bobby Leard, sister Hazel Matlock and grandson Ralph Leard.

Ed joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War but remained stateside to maintain the aircraft involved in the war. He was an instrumentation technician and was stationed at Edwards AFB in southern California from 1951-1955. After serving his time as an enlisted airman, he changed out of his uniform and into his Levi's the next day and went right back to work in the exact same spot, doing the exact same job that he loved so much. The 1950s at Edwards AFB was known as the "Golden Age of Flight Test," and that was the place Ed knew he wanted to be. He continued to work for the Civil Service at Edwards AFB from 1955-1987 and was an integral part of many experimental aircraft projects, while working with and meeting astronauts and test pilots that made aviation history. He received many awards, accommodations, and promotions for his hard work and unwavering dedication to Uncle Sam and his country.

Ed loved golf and every aspect of it. When he retired, he played five days a week and said that he left the golf course on the weekends for the "working guys" to play. He met his long-time girlfriend Yvonne Rey, at Rancho Vista Golf Course in 1986, and they continued their courtship for many years until he moved to Reno, NV., with his daughter in 2020. Ed was known to many as the Energizer Bunny and did not derive pleasure from idle hands. There was always a project waiting for him and he was always offering to help someone with something. He was the type of person who could fix anything and had a very scientific/ mechanical thought process. He was also very chivalrous and was the first one out of his seat to help a woman or to offer his chair. He loved to walk his dog and ride his bicycle every day, and he rode an average of 1,100 miles a year on his bicycle before his health declined.

Special thanks to all the Residential Assistants (Kiddos) at Summit Estates (Volante) Memory care facility in Reno, NV., who loved Ed and treated him with kindness and respect. Edward's remains will be transported to Oklahoma, where he will be laid to rest near his Mother and other family members.