Leon Joseph Voss

Leon grew up in Washington, Missouri graduating from St. Frances Borgia High School in 1962. After high school Leon enlisted into the U.S. Navy in May 1963, which is what would bring him to California after being assigned to Attack Squadron 55 at Lemoore Naval Air Station in August 1963. Over the next 3 ½ years, Leon would be promoted to several positions and received many Unit Commendations while participating in every faze of the Gulf of Tonkin Operations aboard the USS Ticonderoga Air Craft Carrier during the Vietnam War. Leon was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in May 1967.

Leon met Sheryle Voss (Brawley) during a rainstorm in 1966 when she picked him up while he was hitch hiking. They were married on August 19, 1967 and lived in Avenal until 1973 when they moved to Coalinga making it their home.

Leon Graduated from West hills College with an AA Degree in Auto Technologies in 1978. He worked for the Coalinga Atlas Asbestos Mine, Burnett Construction Company and finally landed a job as an Operator for Chevron USA around 1980. Leon would retire from Chevron USA as a Field Mechanic in 2002.

Leon loved hunting and fishing and being outdoors. Most would remember him, his little dog Izzy and his good friend Odis Hooper, riding around town on their power scooters as they made rounds to their many daily appointments. Leon was an active member of the community, he coached Little League Baseball, Coalinga Bobby Sox Softball, was a Fraternal Member of the Eagles and a member of VFW Post No. 6307 participating in many yearly parades and memorial services honoring our Military Veterans.

Leon is survived by his two children and their spouses Michael and Joyce Voss of Coalinga; Michele and David Vasquez of Coalinga; Grandchildren Michael Voss Jr. and Samantha Voss of Visalia; Amanda Brennan of Jacksonville, FL; Ryan Vasquez of Coalinga; and Kayla Voss of Coalinga. Great Grandchild Gabriel Hamm of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by three brothers and their spouses Stephen and Anna Mae Voss; Donald and Martha Voss; Glenn and Jan Voss all of Washington, MO. and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Leon was recently preceded in death by his Wife of 49 years Sheryle Voss (Brawley) in March 2016; Parents Stephen and Eleanor Voss; Sister Mary Voss (Elsenrath) and her Husband Kenneth Elsenrath; Father-in Law Garland Brawley, Mother-in-Law Helen Brawley and Brother-in-Law Danny Brawley.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church; 637 Sunset Street, Coalinga, CA 93210.

Family and Friends are invited to view Leon’s legacy at www.coalingachapel.com and to send condolences to the family.

Services are under the direction of Palm Memorial Coalinga Chapel.