Leon Douglas Wilch

Leon Douglas Wilch, age 78, died peacefully at home in Falls Church VA on March 21st, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born August 17, 1946 in Goodland, Kansas to Kyle Leonard Wilch and Dorothy Chubb Wilch.

Leon went to school at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.

He began his Army career as a euphonium player with the Third Armored Division Band in Germany from 1968 to 1970. In 1973 he won by vocal audition a position with The United States Army Chorus, the vocal element of The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own) on Ft. Myer VA. Serving 33 years in the ensemble, he sang thousands of performances across the nation and sang for American troops stationed in Turkey on a morale building tour. In addition to dozens of performances each year for the public, the week to week mission schedule saw Leon sing often for audiences at the highest level, including the Army Chief of Staff, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Congress, the Supreme Court justices, and the White House. He was part of the state funerals of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford and numerous events of national significance, as well as in televised concerts such as the National Memorial Day Concert. Possessed of a beautiful tenor voice, Leon was noted soloist with the Chorus, and served in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his promotion to Sergeant Major and his appointment as NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge) of the Chorus. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), and the expert rifle badge.

Following retirement from the Army in 2001, Leon joined Stephanie working at their antique shop in Falls Church for another 32 years. He maintained a connection with nearby Ft. Myer, continuing to sing for chapel services as he had done for decades, and serving as a tenor section leader. An avid gardener, he could often be found working in his beautiful, flower-filled yard, happy to chat with passersby. Leon’s love of life, of music, and of adventure were always in evidence in his cycling, whitewater rafting, and traveling. He was a lover of people, always offering a listening and caring ear.

Leon leaves behind a large community of grieving friends, colleagues, neighbors, and relatives. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Holmes-Wilch; daughter Sarah Wilch-Spamer (Doug); sister Anita Wilch Andrews; sisters-in-law Denise Wilch, Jo Knott, Sis Garrett (Elwin); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Dale Wilch (Denise), sister Ellen Wilch Hill (Gene, also deceased), brother-in-law Mark Andrews (Anita), and Judd Knott (Jo).

A celebration of life will be held at Murphy Funeral Home (1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046) on April 11, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at future date.