May 21, 1946 – August 11, 2022
We said our final farewell to beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jack Alan Lease Sr., on August 11th, 2022. Jack passed at the age of 76 in the comfort of his home of 28 years, surrounded by his closest loved ones, after what he would call “a life well lived.”
Jack Sr. was born May 21st, 1946 to parents Arthur Lease and Dortha Dohrman Lease in the modest town of Fort Ashby,West Virginia. Jack Sr.learned the essence of hard work early on as a chief contributor on his family farm. One of five children he never shied away from getting his hands a little dirty. That work ethic carried with him over the course of his life. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and began his over 20 year career as a helicopter pilot on March 4, 1965. Jack retired a decorated CW4 in July of 1986. His awards include but are not limited to: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal(s),Army Commendation Medal(s) with Oak Leaf Cluster(s), and multiple Citations issued by the President of The United States of America as well as The Secretary of the Army. Jack Sr. was recognized for continuously exceeding expectations, achieving superior results, surmounting adverse conditions, and “contributing significantly to the success of the allied effort.” Over the course of his over 25 aerial missions in hostile territory he not only saved many lives, but brought the utmost “credit upon himself, his organization, and the military service.” A hero to his country, and to all those who knew him, Jack Sr. stood out above the rest.
After his decades of service to The United States Army and two tours in Vietnam Jack Sr. settled down with his family in Arizona where he worked at The Boeing Company until his retirement in 2010. Friends and Colleagues have been known to acknowledge the insurmountable role he played in their lives as he continued to be a mentor to all those who knew him in this new phase. During this time in his life, Jack Sr.’s primary focus shifted to being the best husband, father, and grandfather he could be to his adoring family. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling with the love of his life Betty Lease, taking his grandbabies camping, and attending every sporting event for each of them. He was admired not only by his grandchildren, but was a true role model to his own children Ronnette, Jack Jr., and Heather who reflect on him as being their “hero”, “an amazing father” and the “most admired man” in their lives. Jack Sr. had an innate ability to make every single member of his family feel seen, heard, and uniquely special. He was strong, steady, and constant. A true patriarch, and a man who would never let you down, his absence is felt, and will continue to be felt until he is met again; however, he will live on through the ones who cherished him, and the many life lessons he taught them.
Jack Alan Lease Sr. is preceded in death by his father Arthur Lease, his mother Dortha Dohrman Lease, his step mother Arletta Ours Hedrick Lease, and his brothers: Colin Lease, and Gaylin Blair Lease. Jack Sr. is survived by: his loving wife Betty Pownall Lease who affectionately calls him “her heart, her sweetie”, his children: Ronnette Stinnett, Jack Lease Jr., and Heather Gustafson, his nine grandchildren: Desiree, Marissa, Justin, Jadan, Cameo, Kyla, Gage, Raymond, and Angel, who all hold him so dear, and his brothers and sister in laws Carroll and Sandy Lease, Jerry and Judy Lease, Larry and Ann Lease, and Barbara Lease.
A full military service will be held for our hero on Wednesday August 17th, 2022. Jack often teased that he had an aversion to people wearing all black at funerals; so, feel free to add a pop of color to your attire. He was particularly fond of shades of blue.
Service Details
Day: Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
Where: Mountain View Funeral Home: 7900 E. Main Street
Time: 9am-10am viewing
10am-11am chapel service
11:30am graveside service and full military send off
