We said our final farewell to beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jack Alan Lease Sr., on August 11th, 2022. Jack passed at the age of 76 in the comfort of his home of 28 years, surrounded by his closest loved ones, after what he would call “a life well lived.”
Jack Sr. was born May 21st, 1946 to parents Arthur Lease and Dortha Dohrman Lease in the modest town of Fort Ashby,West Virginia. Jack Sr.learned the essence of hard work early on as a chief contributor on his family farm. One of five children he never shied away from getting his hands a little dirty. That work ethic carried with him over the course of his life. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and began his over 20 year career as a helicopter pilot on March 4, 1965. Jack retired a decorated CW4 in July of 1986. His awards include but are not limited to: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal(s),Army Commendation Medal(s) with Oak Leaf Cluster(s), and multiple Citations issued by the President of The United States of America as well as The Secretary of the Army. Jack Sr. was recognized for continuously exceeding expectations, achieving superior results, surmounting adverse conditions, and “contributing significantly to the success of the allied effort.” Over the course of his over 25 aerial missions in hostile territory he not only saved many lives, but brought the utmost “credit upon himself, his organization, and the military service.” A hero to his country, and to all those who knew him, Jack Sr. stood out above the rest.
After his decades of service to The United States Army and two tours in Vietnam Jack Sr. settled down with his family in Arizona where he worked at The Boeing Company until his retirement in 2010. Friends and Colleagues have been known to acknowledge the insurmountable role he played in their lives as he continued to be a mentor to all those who knew him in this new phase. During this time in his life, Jack Sr.’s primary focus shifted to being the best husband, father, and grandfather he could be to his adoring family. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling with the love of his life Betty Lease, taking his grandbabies camping, and attending every sporting event for each of them. He was admired not only by his grandchildren, but was a true role model to his own children Ronnette, Jack Jr., and Heather who reflect on him as being their “hero”, “an amazing father” and the “most admired man” in their lives. Jack Sr. had an innate ability to make every single member of his family feel seen, heard, and uniquely special. He was strong, steady, and constant. A true patriarch, and a man who would never let you down, his absence is felt, and will continue to be felt until he is met again; however, he will live on through the ones who cherished him, and the many life lessons he taught them.
Jack Alan Lease Sr. is preceded in death by his father Arthur Lease, his mother Dortha Dohrman Lease, his step mother Arletta Ours Hedrick Lease, and his brothers: Colin Lease, and Gaylin Blair Lease. Jack Sr. is survived by: his loving wife Betty Pownall Lease who affectionately calls him “her heart, her sweetie”, his children: Ronnette Stinnett, Jack Lease Jr., and Heather Gustafson, his nine grandchildren: Desiree, Marissa, Justin, Jadan, Cameo, Kyla, Gage, Raymond, and Angel, who all hold him so dear, and his brothers and sister in laws Carroll and Sandy Lease, Jerry and Judy Lease, Larry and Ann Lease, and Barbara Lease.
A full military service will be held for our hero on Wednesday August 17th, 2022. Jack often teased that he had an aversion to people wearing all black at funerals; so, feel free to add a pop of color to your attire. He was particularly fond of shades of blue.
Service Details
Day: Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
Where: Mountain View Funeral Home: 7900 E. Main Street
Time: 9am-10am viewing
10am-11am chapel service
11:30am graveside service and full military send off
You will be dearly missed Jack. Thanks for everything my friend.
With sadness comes our expression of sympathy. Jack was quite the gentleman. His obituary says it all. Although, the many miles have kept us apart, he will always be remembered as one of those good ole’ boys from West Virginia. He succeeded at what he put his mind and heart to. A very short mile separated our homes in Patterson Creek, WV where he grew up. He loved the farm. A kind soul that has left a valuable mark on those he touched. May the precious memories give you comfort and peace in the days to come. God bless all of you.
Sincerely, Scott Bradfield
I flew with Jack many times in 1970-1971 with the Pink Panthers. He was the best AMC (Air mission Commander) that I had the privilege of flying with. I learned a lot from him and passed that along the the new guys when I became an AMC.
I will never forget him and no one else will that flew with him. May he rest in peace.
A true professional in the cockpit and life. Jack always presented an upbeat approach and we will always remember his great smile. Until we meet again.
Although I know Jack’s brothers Larry and Carroll well, I only encountered Jack once at the Lease’s farm house in Patterson Creek,WV. But reading his exceptionally well written obituary, I realize what a fine man he became along with his outstanding accomplishments. SALUTE to an extraordinary man and veteran!!
Our condolences to Betty and all of Jack’s family. We were so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Jim worked with Jack from the time he began working at Boeing until Jack’s retirement. Jim always thought very highly of Jack — an honest and great guy he used to say. We both knew Jack also thru our grandchildren. Justin and Cameron went thru AJ schools together; played baseball together; and, played on AJ’s football team when they reached high school. We often saw Jack and Betty at games because Jack didn’t miss games, nor did Jim. In later years, I often ran into Jack in the mornings in our neighborhood because we both walked our dogs. Jack will always be remembered. He was a great guy!! Our prayers go out to the family as Jack is laid to rest. [Unfortunately, we will not be in attendance at the funeral because we will be out of town]
With sadness, as a classmate of FAHS 1964, we will remember with fondness, Jack A. Lease, Sr. . Sending sincere condolences to his family and acknowledging a life well lived🙏❗️
May he rest in Peace.
Danny B. Stepp
CW4 (Ret)
Panther 24
Fond memories of Jack during our school years.
Remembering all the good times. Until we meet again.
I would like to tell Betty and the whole family how sorry I was to hear of the Passing of Jack Lease. He was a good friend and working associate. He use to call me old man because I was 6 months older than him. Jack was an excellent Pilot, Husband, Father, and Grand Dad. He will always be truly missed. My condolences.
grand d