Paula Annette Leos

January 9, 1956 – March 2, 2026

Paula Annette Leos, 70, of Live Oak, Texas, passed away of Lewy body dementia (LBD) peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, with her husband of 50 years, Fernando, by her side.

A Life of Service to Country and Family

Born in Atkinson, Nebraska, to Paul and Amelia Kaup, Paula was the first girl in a bustling family of five older brothers, followed one year later by her sister, Vencille. Raised in Stuart, Nebraska, she excelled in sports and academically, graduating as the Salutatorian of Stuart High School in 1974.

That same year, following the military tradition established by her brothers, Paula enlisted in the United States Air Force alongside her best friend, Denise Campbell. After basic training in San Antonio, TX and tech school in Biloxi, MS, her service led her to Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. One Sunday in February 1975, Paula was walking to church with a friend when she ignored a honk and wave from a young Sergeant in a beat-up ‘64 Ford Fairlane. The next day at work, the Sergeant asked her why she ignored him. “I don’t wave at people I don’t know,” she answered. To which he replied, “My name is Fernando, I go to church, too. Would you like a ride this Sunday and maybe go for a bite to eat after?” Paula, who ended up having a lifelong battle with her weight, told him, “No, I have to watch what I eat.” To which Fernando said, “Well, would you like to go to church and then come watch me eat?” They were married on December 6, 1975, beginning a half-century partnership of love and humor.

Shortly after marriage, Paula and Fernando were assigned to Randolph AFB and moved to Live Oak, TX. Paula honorably separated from the Air Force in 1978 but continued her commitment to the military through a distinguished career in the Air Force Civil Service. For over 38 years of combined service, she played a vital role in bringing on medical personnel to keep the Air Force healthy and strong, retiring in 2012.

While professional and meticulous in her work, Paula’s true passion was her family. As the self-appointed "COO, CFO, CEO, Head Chef, and Landscaper" of the Leos household, she raised two children, Monica and Fernando II (Nando). She found joy in simple pleasures: Saturday night Mass, weekly bowling, cherished pets (including cats, rats and fish), annual treks back to the Nebraska countryside to see her family and, in later years, traveling with Fernando, her sister and brother-in-law.

The Walker of Live Oak

To her neighbors in Live Oak, Paula was a fixture of the community, known for her daily 5-mile walks. When asked if she loved walking, Paula would answer, “No, I like to eat and so I need to walk.” She continued to walk, even as her illness progressed. In recent years, Fernando could be seen with Paula - usually running or biking along. And during these walks, the pair would “rescue” lost items. The streets of Live Oak are cleaner today thanks to the countless pens, clothing, coins, tools, stuffed animals and other lost treasures they salvaged over the years.

Family and Legacy

Paula is survived by her loving husband, Fernando; her children, Monica (Jeff) and Fernando II (Jen); her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Zachary; her siblings, Randy (Sherry), Frances (Deb), Phil (DeeAnn), and Vencille (Lloyd); and her cat, Bob.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Milton and Dan.

She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, thoroughness, and a practical nature that will be missed by all who knew her.

Service Information

In keeping with Paula’s practical spirit, the family requests that guests honor her by wearing walking shoes or sneakers and dressing casually.

**Note: Base access requires RSVP with additional information to Monica ([email protected] / 512-788-3329) by March 20th for 100% ID checks

Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM, followed by Visitation at 10:00 AM with Funeral Mass celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Randolph AFB Chapel, Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150.

Following services at Randolph AFB Chapel, a Committal Service with Air Force Military Honors will be held from 1:00 PM to 1:20 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Repass will follow interment at 2:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Rd., Universal City, TX 78148

Memorial Contributions

The Leos family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Summit Hospice (including Sydney, Alicia (L), Jason, Gracie, Alicia (R), and Stella) and Althea with Visiting Angels for their compassionate care of Paula and Fernando.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/donate.