Leland Anthony Rand was born May 7, 1944, in Salina, KS, the son of Carl L. and Rosa Rand. Carl was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge while Lee was still an infant. Although outnumbered in hand-to hand fighting, he and his unit the 9th Armored Division, held the line until reinforcements arrived several days later. Carl posthumously received the Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation for bravery and is buried in Normandy, France. His mother Rosa later married Floyd C. Close and Leland was raised on a farm in rural Abilene, KS, along with four sisters and a baby brother. The "Close children" attended Solomon schools. Lee transferred to DCCHS, Chapman, KS, until he joined the United States Naval Service. He is still remembered by friends in Kansas.
In 1961, he met his future wife, Farrell Katherine Higgins, who still refers to him as "My Tony". They returned from California to Lee's hometown and were married in the Solomon Presbyterian Church. Because he was stationed at different locations throughout the United States, Farrell made new homes to raise their four daughters in different states every few years.
Leland served with distinction throughout the world. His tours of duty included six tours of Vietnam, three years as a Company Commander, three years on the destroyer USS Morton, seven years on the nuclear ballistic missile submarines USS Henry Clay and USS Simon Bolivar, and six years on the nuclear attack submarine USS Hawkbill. The USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) called the "Devil Boat", was Lee's favorite tour of duty which seems appropriate for those who were familiar with his sense of humor.
He earned several medals and commendations over the years including the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Navy Combat Excellence Ribbon with stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, SSBN Strategic Deterrent Patrol with 2 Silver Stars, and Navy Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Medals.
After 30 years of serving our country, he retired as QMC (SS) in 1989 in Pearl Harbor, HI. In 1993, they returned to the mainland and settled in San Jose, CA. Leland Anthony Rand, 64, of San Jose, CA died peacefully Friday, November 7, 2008 after a heroic fight with Renal Cancer at the Santa Teresa Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Jose. Leland so impressed his daughters with his patriotism and love of America, they each chose to enter a branch of the service as a tribute to their love of him and our country. Although he travelled to various countries and enjoyed different cultures, food and scenic beauty, he always thought there is "No place like home" and nothing like being back in the "Good ole' USA", where FREEDOM and Pride in America still reigns. It was his hope that the true Americans stand up and fight to keep our constitution intact and our country free forever.
His parents preceded him in his death. Survivors include his wife, Farrell, of 43 years who still resides in their San Jose home;
His four daughters:
Toni, still serving our country in the US Navy as Chief Warrant Officer 2 (AW/SW) stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. and her significant other Alejandrino Montalvo of Moca, Puerto Rico;
Salley, a retired US Marine Gunnery Sergeant, and her husband Master Sergeant Carlos Hernandez, serving in the US Marine Corps, Quantico VA;
Michelle, a former US Marine Sergeant, now serving as Sergeant and S.W.A.T. member for the Fort Myers Police Dept., Cape Coral, FL;
Heather, a former US Marine Corporal, and currently a manager at Petsmart and her husband Peter Newton of San Jose, CA;
His Granddaughters: Tiffany, Cypriana, Charlie, Sage and Kadence;
His Grandsons: Johnny and Leland;
His sisters: Virgie Neiswender, Jean Smith, Connie and husband Rodney Wolf all reside in Kansas, and Charlotte and her husband Mark Bunting who reside in Texas.
His brother: Floyd C. Close, Jr. of Kansas City.
Leland loved his family very much and very proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He touched our hearts and we will always have his presence with us.
His preference was to be cremated and return to the sea he so loved. His ashes will be spread in a US Naval Burial at Sea Ceremony and in the Colorado canyon where his mother grew up.
There will be a special military service with an honor guard and 21 gun salute at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA; the final resting place of 15 Medal of Honor Recipients and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
There will be no visitation.
Friends may offer their online condolences at [email protected] and/or memorial contributions may be made in Lee's name to a cancer charitable organization of their choice.
In 1961, he met his future wife, Farrell Katherine Higgins, who still refers to him as "My Tony". They returned from California to Lee's hometown and were married in the Solomon Presbyterian Church. Because he was stationed at different locations throughout the United States, Farrell made new homes to raise their four daughters in different states every few years.
Leland served with distinction throughout the world. His tours of duty included six tours of Vietnam, three years as a Company Commander, three years on the destroyer USS Morton, seven years on the nuclear ballistic missile submarines USS Henry Clay and USS Simon Bolivar, and six years on the nuclear attack submarine USS Hawkbill. The USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) called the "Devil Boat", was Lee's favorite tour of duty which seems appropriate for those who were familiar with his sense of humor.
He earned several medals and commendations over the years including the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Navy Combat Excellence Ribbon with stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, SSBN Strategic Deterrent Patrol with 2 Silver Stars, and Navy Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Medals.
After 30 years of serving our country, he retired as QMC (SS) in 1989 in Pearl Harbor, HI. In 1993, they returned to the mainland and settled in San Jose, CA. Leland Anthony Rand, 64, of San Jose, CA died peacefully Friday, November 7, 2008 after a heroic fight with Renal Cancer at the Santa Teresa Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Jose. Leland so impressed his daughters with his patriotism and love of America, they each chose to enter a branch of the service as a tribute to their love of him and our country. Although he travelled to various countries and enjoyed different cultures, food and scenic beauty, he always thought there is "No place like home" and nothing like being back in the "Good ole' USA", where FREEDOM and Pride in America still reigns. It was his hope that the true Americans stand up and fight to keep our constitution intact and our country free forever.
His parents preceded him in his death. Survivors include his wife, Farrell, of 43 years who still resides in their San Jose home;
His four daughters:
Toni, still serving our country in the US Navy as Chief Warrant Officer 2 (AW/SW) stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. and her significant other Alejandrino Montalvo of Moca, Puerto Rico;
Salley, a retired US Marine Gunnery Sergeant, and her husband Master Sergeant Carlos Hernandez, serving in the US Marine Corps, Quantico VA;
Michelle, a former US Marine Sergeant, now serving as Sergeant and S.W.A.T. member for the Fort Myers Police Dept., Cape Coral, FL;
Heather, a former US Marine Corporal, and currently a manager at Petsmart and her husband Peter Newton of San Jose, CA;
His Granddaughters: Tiffany, Cypriana, Charlie, Sage and Kadence;
His Grandsons: Johnny and Leland;
His sisters: Virgie Neiswender, Jean Smith, Connie and husband Rodney Wolf all reside in Kansas, and Charlotte and her husband Mark Bunting who reside in Texas.
His brother: Floyd C. Close, Jr. of Kansas City.
Leland loved his family very much and very proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He touched our hearts and we will always have his presence with us.
His preference was to be cremated and return to the sea he so loved. His ashes will be spread in a US Naval Burial at Sea Ceremony and in the Colorado canyon where his mother grew up.
There will be a special military service with an honor guard and 21 gun salute at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA; the final resting place of 15 Medal of Honor Recipients and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
There will be no visitation.
Friends may offer their online condolences at [email protected] and/or memorial contributions may be made in Lee's name to a cancer charitable organization of their choice.
Leland Anthony Rand was born May 7, 1944, in Salina, KS, the son of Carl L. and Rosa Rand. Carl was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge while Lee was still an infant. Although outnumbered in hand-to hand fighting, he and his unit the 9th Armored Division, held the line until reinforcements arrived several days later. Carl posthumously received the Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation for bravery and is buried in Normandy, France. His mother Rosa later married Floyd C. Close and Leland was raised on a farm in rural Abilene, KS, along with four sisters and a baby brother. The "Close children" attended Solomon schools. Lee transferred to DCCHS, Chapman, KS, until he joined the United States Naval Service. He is still remembered by friends in Kansas.
In 1961, he met his future wife, Farrell Katherine Higgins, who still refers to him as "My Tony". They returned from California to Lee's hometown and were married in the Solomon Presbyterian Church. Because he was stationed at different locations throughout the United States, Farrell made new homes to raise their four daughters in different states every few years.
Leland served with distinction throughout the world. His tours of duty included six tours of Vietnam, three years as a Company Commander, three years on the destroyer USS Morton, seven years on the nuclear ballistic missile submarines USS Henry Clay and USS Simon Bolivar, and six years on the nuclear attack submarine USS Hawkbill. The USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) called the "Devil Boat", was Lee's favorite tour of duty which seems appropriate for those who were familiar with his sense of humor.
He earned several medals and commendations over the years including the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Navy Combat Excellence Ribbon with stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, SSBN Strategic Deterrent Patrol with 2 Silver Stars, and Navy Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Medals.
After 30 years of serving our country, he retired as QMC (SS) in 1989 in Pearl Harbor, HI. In 1993, they returned to the mainland and settled in San Jose, CA. Leland Anthony Rand, 64, of San Jose, CA died peacefully Friday, November 7, 2008 after a heroic fight with Renal Cancer at the Santa Teresa Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Jose. Leland so impressed his daughters with his patriotism and love of America, they each chose to enter a branch of the service as a tribute to their love of him and our country. Although he travelled to various countries and enjoyed different cultures, food and scenic beauty, he always thought there is "No place like home" and nothing like being back in the "Good ole' USA", where FREEDOM and Pride in America still reigns. It was his hope that the true Americans stand up and fight to keep our constitution intact and our country free forever.
His parents preceded him in his death. Survivors include his wife, Farrell, of 43 years who still resides in their San Jose home;
His four daughters:
Toni, still serving our country in the US Navy as Chief Warrant Officer 2 (AW/SW) stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. and her significant other Alejandrino Montalvo of Moca, Puerto Rico;
Salley, a retired US Marine Gunnery Sergeant, and her husband Master Sergeant Carlos Hernandez, serving in the US Marine Corps, Quantico VA;
Michelle, a former US Marine Sergeant, now serving as Sergeant and S.W.A.T. member for the Fort Myers Police Dept., Cape Coral, FL;
Heather, a former US Marine Corporal, and currently a manager at Petsmart and her husband Peter Newton of San Jose, CA;
His Granddaughters: Tiffany, Cypriana, Charlie, Sage and Kadence;
His Grandsons: Johnny and Leland;
His sisters: Virgie Neiswender, Jean Smith, Connie and husband Rodney Wolf all reside in Kansas, and Charlotte and her husband Mark Bunting who reside in Texas.
His brother: Floyd C. Close, Jr. of Kansas City.
Leland loved his family very much and very proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He touched our hearts and we will always have his presence with us.
His preference was to be cremated and return to the sea he so loved. His ashes will be spread in a US Naval Burial at Sea Ceremony and in the Colorado canyon where his mother grew up.
There will be a special military service with an honor guard and 21 gun salute at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA; the final resting place of 15 Medal of Honor Recipients and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
There will be no visitation.
Friends may offer their online condolences at [email protected] and/or memorial contributions may be made in Lee's name to a cancer charitable organization of their choice.
In 1961, he met his future wife, Farrell Katherine Higgins, who still refers to him as "My Tony". They returned from California to Lee's hometown and were married in the Solomon Presbyterian Church. Because he was stationed at different locations throughout the United States, Farrell made new homes to raise their four daughters in different states every few years.
Leland served with distinction throughout the world. His tours of duty included six tours of Vietnam, three years as a Company Commander, three years on the destroyer USS Morton, seven years on the nuclear ballistic missile submarines USS Henry Clay and USS Simon Bolivar, and six years on the nuclear attack submarine USS Hawkbill. The USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) called the "Devil Boat", was Lee's favorite tour of duty which seems appropriate for those who were familiar with his sense of humor.
He earned several medals and commendations over the years including the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Navy Combat Excellence Ribbon with stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, SSBN Strategic Deterrent Patrol with 2 Silver Stars, and Navy Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Medals.
After 30 years of serving our country, he retired as QMC (SS) in 1989 in Pearl Harbor, HI. In 1993, they returned to the mainland and settled in San Jose, CA. Leland Anthony Rand, 64, of San Jose, CA died peacefully Friday, November 7, 2008 after a heroic fight with Renal Cancer at the Santa Teresa Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Jose. Leland so impressed his daughters with his patriotism and love of America, they each chose to enter a branch of the service as a tribute to their love of him and our country. Although he travelled to various countries and enjoyed different cultures, food and scenic beauty, he always thought there is "No place like home" and nothing like being back in the "Good ole' USA", where FREEDOM and Pride in America still reigns. It was his hope that the true Americans stand up and fight to keep our constitution intact and our country free forever.
His parents preceded him in his death. Survivors include his wife, Farrell, of 43 years who still resides in their San Jose home;
His four daughters:
Toni, still serving our country in the US Navy as Chief Warrant Officer 2 (AW/SW) stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. and her significant other Alejandrino Montalvo of Moca, Puerto Rico;
Salley, a retired US Marine Gunnery Sergeant, and her husband Master Sergeant Carlos Hernandez, serving in the US Marine Corps, Quantico VA;
Michelle, a former US Marine Sergeant, now serving as Sergeant and S.W.A.T. member for the Fort Myers Police Dept., Cape Coral, FL;
Heather, a former US Marine Corporal, and currently a manager at Petsmart and her husband Peter Newton of San Jose, CA;
His Granddaughters: Tiffany, Cypriana, Charlie, Sage and Kadence;
His Grandsons: Johnny and Leland;
His sisters: Virgie Neiswender, Jean Smith, Connie and husband Rodney Wolf all reside in Kansas, and Charlotte and her husband Mark Bunting who reside in Texas.
His brother: Floyd C. Close, Jr. of Kansas City.
Leland loved his family very much and very proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He touched our hearts and we will always have his presence with us.
His preference was to be cremated and return to the sea he so loved. His ashes will be spread in a US Naval Burial at Sea Ceremony and in the Colorado canyon where his mother grew up.
There will be a special military service with an honor guard and 21 gun salute at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA; the final resting place of 15 Medal of Honor Recipients and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
There will be no visitation.
Friends may offer their online condolences at [email protected] and/or memorial contributions may be made in Lee's name to a cancer charitable organization of their choice.
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