CDR Lawrence "Larry" James LeDoux, USN, (Ret)

CDR LeDoux served 26 years in the Navy in both enlisted and officer status, retiring in 1985. A naval aviator, he was commanding officer of Patrol Squadron 48 at Moffett Field, CA. Enlisting in the Naval Reserve in 1959, he served on the destroyer USS Noa (DD-841) before becoming a Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD). After receiving his aviator wings and commission in 1963 he served in Patrol Squadrons 4, 9, and 48, making multiple deployments to Alaska and throughout the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. He was a production test pilot of P2 and P3 aircraft at the Naval Air Rework Facility, Alameda, CA, and served as Flag Lieutenant and personal pilot for the Commander Naval Forces Korea in 1969-70. His Washington, D.C. assignments included the Bureau of Naval Personnel (OP-01) and staff of the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare (OP-05). CDR LeDoux received an Air Medal for combat operations in the Vietnam conflict, two Meritorious Service Medals, and a Certificate of Achievement from the Department of the Army for his management of the Navy contingent to the President’s ‘Sky Marshall’ Program in 1970/71.

After completion of his military career, he joined the firm of Grant Thornton as a senior management analyst, and subsequently joined Irving Burton Associates where he was the Project Director of a multi-discipline contractor team supporting the Department of Defense TRIMIS Program Office. Later, after employment with Q Systems, Inc. and Base Technologies, Inc. he became an independent consultant providing management services to over 45 corporate and university entities.

CDR LeDoux was born on January 30, 1941 in Albany, N.Y., the son of Gordon and Julia LeDoux. He was a graduate of Vincentian Institute HS, 1958, and in 1960 graduated from Hudson Valley Technical Institute in Troy, NY with an Associate degree in mechanical technology. He completed his BS in engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1973, and earned a master’s degree equivalent in management at the Naval War College in 1977. CDR LeDoux was a man of many talents. He was an avid gardener, orchid and bonsai hobbyist, woodworker, model ship maker, genealogist, and student of history and science. After retirement in 2005 he enjoyed travel with his wife and friends, and helping others with their genealogy research. He also served on various committees and volunteered with local food banks, and he and his wife Pat volunteered with the “Honor Flight Network” at Dulles Airport welcoming WW11 veterans arriving from all over the country to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Patricia C. Warde LeDoux; two children, David LeDoux (Gina), Michelle LeDoux; and grandchildren Benjamin LeDoux (Catherine), and Megan LeDoux. He was predeceased by his brother Frank LeDoux; his sister-in-law, Gail Warde; and brother-in-law, Warren Elliott. He leaves behind his sisters Alice Carlson and Mary Elliott; brother-in-law, Fred Warde; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His family wishes to thank the staff at Hadley House, WindsorMeade for their excellent care of Larry and to Gentiva Hospice for their support during his last days.

Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate.html) or to WindsorMeade Samaritan Fund, 3900 Windsor Hall Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188 (www.windsormeade.org/philanthropy).

Interment will be in the spring at Quantico National Cemetery with full military honors.