Born December 28, 1931 in Zenda, Kansas, Leo Fredrick Kimminau, Sr. (Maj. USAF, Ret.)      flew west for the last time and passed into eternal life on April 3, 2021, Holy Saturday, in Tucson, Arizona.

"Pop-Pop," as Leo was affectionately known to his family, is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Elsie Jane (Youngers), their children Larry, Chris, Mary, Leo Jr., Don and Pam, along with their spouses, ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, brothers Paul and Jim, their wives, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo graduated from Scott City High School (KS) in 1949, enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and was first certified as an aircraft mechanic in 1952 before entering pilot training.  He earned "Distinguished Graduate" honors from Pilot Training Class 54-E (the "Awesome Aviators") and was commissioned as a 2 ^nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in March 1954.  Leo's pilot adventures took him all over the world and included time flying the C-124, C-54, T-39, O-1 and F-100, among other aircraft.  Leo served in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller flying the O-1 "Birddog" from January 1966 through December 1966.  He received the Air Medal, Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross before retiring from the Air Force at McConnell AFB (KS) in March 1972.

After military service Leo relocated his family to Monument, CO where he worked tirelessly in various corporate purchasing positions while pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree (Technical Management) evenings and weekends.  He graduated from Regis College (Cum Laude) in 1982.  During retirement years in Tucson, AZ he continued to serve by volunteering his time developing the Legion of Saints Pius X & Padre Pio; organizing 54-E Reunions; acting as a docent at the Pima Air & Space Museum and Tohono Chul Gardens; as President of Horizon Heights Homeowners Association; and working on numerous campaigns for the Arizona Republican Party.

Leo was honored and proud to serve his country through military service.  Even more so, he was a passionate Catholic, considered himself a servant and "hod carrier" for the Holy Family and the children of Fatima, prayed the Rosary daily, and was a fierce advocate for the restoration of the Traditional Latin Mass.  Along with his unwavering Catholic faith,           "Pop-Pop's" greatest pride and joy was reserved for his family to whom he devoted his life, love and full service.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A Rosary will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, April 16 ^th with visitation following until 7 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix.

A Requiem Mass will be said on Saturday, April 17 ^th at Our Lady of Sorrows, 750 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix.  Mass will begin at 11 a.m., preceded by a Rosary at 10 a.m.

The interment will be on Tuesday, April 20 ^th in Willowdale, KS.  The car procession to the church will leave at 10:15 a.m. from Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main Street, Kingman.  A Rosary will be said at 11:30a at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Willowdale.  A viewing will follow, moving then to the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery for the gravesite blessing.  A luncheon will be held after the interment in St. Peter's Parish Hall.  All family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of these organizations which held special significance to Leo:

The Immaculata Church Project,

200 East Mission St., Saint Marys, KS  66536

(785)-437-2471  Ext. 110

or

St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary

1208 Archbishop Lefebvre Ave.

Dillwyn, VA  23936

(434)-505-7007  FAX: (507)-216-6243