Col. Arthur Kenzie Leatherwood, Jr., passed from this life on August 29, 2009.
Art, known as "A.K." to the family, was born at Westville, OK on July 28, 1921 to Arthur K. Leatherwood, Sr. and Lizzie Belle Blair Leatherwood.
He graduated from Tulsa Central High School and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1939. Art received his pilot's wings at Waco, TX in 1943, and after a period as a flight instructor, was assigned to the 14th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Photo Group of the US 8th Air Force in England. Captain Leatherwood flew unarmed P-38 and Spitfire MK XI photo- reconnaissance aircraft over the European Theatre in support of Allied ground and bombing offensives.
On Christmas Night, 1944, at Oxford, England, Art met his future bride Maxine Berggren.
After the cessation of hostilities, he served in the Army of Occupation in Germany, returning to the US in 1947. Art and Maxine were married on March 18, 1947 in Olathe KS, and remained together for 62 years.
Art attended the University of Southern California Film School for two years pursuant to his assignment to Lookout Mountain Film Laboratories where he worked as a documentary filmmaker for the Atomic Energy Commission, documenting the early nuclear tests in Nevada and the Marshall Islands. He returned to flying duty in 1955, flying RB-47 and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. His military travels took him to Morocco, England, Alaska, Australia and Vietnam. The family lived in California, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona, moving to Austin, TX in 1965 upon Art's retirement from the Air Force after 26 years of distinguished service.
After his retirement, Art earned his bachelor's degree in education, fulfilling a lifetime goal.
He taught social studies at Lanier High School for fifteen years, retiring in 1983.
A life member of the Texas State Historical Association, he was an active volunteer researcher and writer, and contributed to the 1996 revision of the Handbook of Texas.
His retirement years were consumed by his interest in Texas history, a fascination with woodworking, a commitment to lunch every week with his son Jon, his passion for the game of golf, and his devotion to his wife and constant companion Maxine.
He was a member of the Faith and Gethsemane Lutheran congregations of Austin and served in various capacities for the Texas Lutheran Synod.
His last years were distinguished by his care for Maxine in her last days, which won him the affection and respect of all who knew him.
The Leatherwood family would like to thank the staff of Buckner Villas Nursing Home for their compassionate and considerate care.
Arthur Leatherwood is survived by his son and daughter-in- law, Jon and Joyce Leatherwood of Smithville TX; brother and sister- in-law, Gail and Roberta Leatherwood of Spring Hill, FL; aunt, Callie Leatherwood of Nacogdoches, TX, and their families.
Funeral services will be held at Austin-Peel Funeral Home, 607 E Anderson Lane, at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2009, with the Reverend Karl Gronberg officiating. Arthur will be interred alongside Maxine in a private ceremony at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Memorial gifts may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 200 W Anderson Lane, (512) 836-8560.
Col. Arthur Kenzie Leatherwood, Jr., passed from this life on August 29, 2009.
Art, known as "A.K." to the family, was born at Westville, OK on July 28, 1921 to Arthur K. Leatherwood, Sr. and Lizzie Belle Blair Leatherwood.
He graduated from Tulsa Central High School and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1939. Art received his pilot's wings at Waco, TX in 1943, and after a period as a flight instructor, was assigned to the 14th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Photo Group of the US 8th Air Force in England. Captain Leatherwood flew unarmed P-38 and Spitfire MK XI photo- reconnaissance aircraft over the European Theatre in support of Allied ground and bombing offensives.
On Christmas Night, 1944, at Oxford, England, Art met his future bride Maxine Berggren.
After the cessation of hostilities, he served in the Army of Occupation in Germany, returning to the US in 1947. Art and Maxine were married on March 18, 1947 in Olathe KS, and remained together for 62 years.
Art attended the University of Southern California Film School for two years pursuant to his assignment to Lookout Mountain Film Laboratories where he worked as a documentary filmmaker for the Atomic Energy Commission, documenting the early nuclear tests in Nevada and the Marshall Islands. He returned to flying duty in 1955, flying RB-47 and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. His military travels took him to Morocco, England, Alaska, Australia and Vietnam. The family lived in California, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona, moving to Austin, TX in 1965 upon Art's retirement from the Air Force after 26 years of distinguished service.
After his retirement, Art earned his bachelor's degree in education, fulfilling a lifetime goal.
He taught social studies at Lanier High School for fifteen years, retiring in 1983.
A life member of the Texas State Historical Association, he was an active volunteer researcher and writer, and contributed to the 1996 revision of the Handbook of Texas.
His retirement years were consumed by his interest in Texas history, a fascination with woodworking, a commitment to lunch every week with his son Jon, his passion for the game of golf, and his devotion to his wife and constant companion Maxine.
He was a member of the Faith and Gethsemane Lutheran congregations of Austin and served in various capacities for the Texas Lutheran Synod.
His last years were distinguished by his care for Maxine in her last days, which won him the affection and respect of all who knew him.
The Leatherwood family would like to thank the staff of Buckner Villas Nursing Home for their compassionate and considerate care.
Arthur Leatherwood is survived by his son and daughter-in- law, Jon and Joyce Leatherwood of Smithville TX; brother and sister- in-law, Gail and Roberta Leatherwood of Spring Hill, FL; aunt, Callie Leatherwood of Nacogdoches, TX, and their families.
Funeral services will be held at Austin-Peel Funeral Home, 607 E Anderson Lane, at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2009, with the Reverend Karl Gronberg officiating. Arthur will be interred alongside Maxine in a private ceremony at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Memorial gifts may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 200 W Anderson Lane, (512) 836-8560.
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