Leonso F. Fernandez, age 57, went to be with his Lord on July 8, 2023 at Riverside Regional Medical Center. He was born March 9, 1966 in Santa Fe, Honduras, Central America to Edmundo Martinez and Dominga Solano Fernandez.
He joined the US Army in 1984, served in Desert Shield/Storm, earned two associate degrees with the USAF, became an Airborne Jump Master, and mentored many soldiers. During his twenty-three-year military career, Leonso had lived in North Carolina, Mississippi, Germany, and Italy. After retiring, Leonso continued to serve his nation as a GS civilian for fifteen years. Both military and civilian service allowed him to indulge in his love of travel by visiting South Africa, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, Greece, Austria, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Slovenia, France, and England. Leonso was a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He recently celebrated thirty-one years of marriage to his bride, Kellie.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by his son, Paul F. Fernandez and Paul’s wife Kayla, daughter Sophia E. Fernandez, brother Geo Martinez, sister Maria Martinez, sister Mirna Martinez, sister Suyapa Fernandez Almendares, and many nieces and nephews.
No service or memorial will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Leonso in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the USO or to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, two organizations important to him. Arrangements by Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, Denbigh Chapel, 12893 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA.
Kellie, I know your heart and grit as you courageously endured scores of SCUD attacks in the desert. This tragic loss, entirely too soon, makes my heart cry for you and your children. Leonso was a cherished friend to all who knew him. Heaven needed a Spectrum Expert, we will find out why when we join him. Love to you All Ways. ~ Alice
All OK Jumpmaster🙏🏾👍🏽💯🌿
Brother, you are truly missed, the great conversation about the future, the support, and encouraging words. My prayer is that the Comforter fall on your family and friends during these times. See you on the high road my friend
Personally and on behalf of CRFS, our sincere condolences to the Fernandez family and friends.
Mi hermano mayor! Fuiste y siempre vas a ser un ejemplo de amor y de fuerza. Cuidaste siempre a tu familia tu recuerdo nunca va a morir. Tu partida física es muy dolorosa y quisiera creer que esto es un mal sueño del que voy a despertar y te puedo abrazar de nuevo.
Te amo Cochi.
You will be greatly missed brother. RIP Jumpmaster.
Prayers for comfort for the family and many friends. Working with and socializing with Leonso was always welcoming. We had many laughs together, and he will be missed. I was really looking forward to our next get together. Kellie, Paul, and Sophia, if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. He loved all of you and the rest of his family so deeply. I am so sorry for your loss!
Thank you for your service, as a fellow army desert storm soldier I salute you, may you rest in peace
My Prayers & condolences to the family , From soldier to soldier I thank you for your committed service and all over accomplishments of serving our country you are truly gonna be missed your valor will not go unnoticed !!!
Leonso. You will be missed. Stories of your world travels allowed me the opportunity to live vicariously through you. I admired your strength and bravery with each exciting experience both as active duty as well as a civilian. I learned a great deal from you. Sadly, your death has also taught me that it is important to show love towards your family while they are alive. I wish I didn’t let life distract me from nurturing relationships. I thought we had more time. I regret that I didn’t get the chance to tell you that I love you and that I have always been proud to call you my big brother. I wish that Our family had the opportunity to usher you to our ancestors in the fashion befitting of the king that you are. May God welcome you into his loving arms.