LeRoy J Salem

Col. LeRoy J. Salem, devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on December 28, 2017 in Colorado Springs. He was born May 16, 1928 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the fourth son of six boys born to Edward and Sophie Salem. He attended the University of Iowa and received his B.A. degree with a major in physical education. He married his sweetheart, Joanne Hughes, December 30, 1950. Roy was commissioned a second lieutenant under the AFROTC program and called to active duty in 1952. Together Roy and Joanne traveled the world with the U.S. Air Force as their travel agent.

His first assignment was Tokyo, Japan. Returning to the states, he was appointed instructor for AFROTC at the University of Iowa, where he also continued his education to obtain his M.A. Roy went on to become an athletic instructor and varsity baseball coach at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Base Commander at Aviano, Italy and Torrejon, Spain, just to name a few of his other assignments. After 26 years, many awards and commendations, he retired from the Air Force in 1979 and settled in Colorado Springs with his family. Roy continued working 15 more years at Martin Marietta as a Senior Program Administrator.

Roy enjoyed softball, racquetball and golf and filled several shelves with trophies from each. He was an avid sports fan following his beloved Air Force Falcons, Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. Upon his second retirement, the AFA golf courses were his summer home. He played frequently with his best friends and was very active in the Eisenhower Men’s Golf Association.

As a founding member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Roy was very active in the Newcomers Welcome Events, Knights of Columbus and served as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He was a Knight for 71 years and was a Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator.

Roy’s greatest accomplishment was becoming a kind, gentle, generous and loving man. He had a smile for everyone and was a friend to all. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by Joanne, his loving wife of 62 years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, brothers Rudy and Dick; children, Lee (Lisa Dahl), Richard, Joni (Greg) Renn and Linda (Rick) McCarter; grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Sara, Dana and great granddaughter Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The First Tee of Pikes Peak Scholarship Program, 525 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.