Leo Ray Estes
Leo Ray Estes
Description: Dec. 17, 1935-Sept. 8, 2006
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Posted by editor Mon Sep 18, 2006 17:00:55 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments Leo Ray Estes, entered into eternal rest Friday, Sept. 8, at this home in Bear Valley Springs. Leo was born to Ernest and Ola Estes on Dec. 17, 1935 in Paris, Texas. He moved to Tehachapi in 1986 from Arroyo Grande.
Leo was dearly loved and respected by his wife, Janet, to whom he was married for 50 years. A devoted family man, Leo considered himself blessed to have four children, all daughters.
Leo joined the Marine Corps on June 23, 1957 and served three years. He graduated from Allen Hancock Jr. College, Santa Maria in 1963. He continued his education at Lassen College, Humboldt State and Cal Poly State University with enough credits for a bachelor’s degree, but not enough in one course of study to qualify for one.
In 1990, Leo retired from the California Department of Corrections after 30 years of service. He was admired and it was said by his fellow employees that he was the epitome of a professional and dedicated employee.
He pursued many hobbies; reading, history, camping, insect collecting, bird watching, biking, hiking, running, backpacking, golfing, flying, hunting, wood-carving, genealogy, investment clubs, square dancing, gardening and traveling. He was enthusiastic about his hobbies and made sure to include his family in each one. Leo enjoyed using his hobbies to teach life lessons and family values. We will always remember Leo’s smile, laughter, love and a willingness to share his hobbies with others. Granddaughter Samanthah says, “Everything was special about Grandpa.”
Leo is survived by his wife, Janet Estes of Bear Valley Springs; daughters, Suzanne Marriott of Templeton, Alice and husband Bill Wages of Bakersfield, Valerie and husband Rod Hochstetler of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Lea and Doug Goossen of Mesquite, Texas; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; brothers Ernest Estes, of Santa Maria, James Estes, of San Luis Obispo, Bill Estes, of Arroyo Grande, and Hardy Estes, of Nipomo; sisters, Betty Smith of Guadalupe and Margaret Cook of Santa Maria.
A Memorial Service was held, Thursday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. at Bear Valley Springs Community Church, in Bear Valley Springs. Dr. Jeff Kaplan officiated the service. Pianist for the service was Juanell Estes, Leo’s sister-in-law. The Honor Guard from California Correctional Institute participated in the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family had requested that donations in Leo’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society. Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements.
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