Obituary of Leslie Brackett

Leslie A. Brackett, age 80, of 610 W. Sycamore, Chillicothe, lost his battle with congested heart failure and emphazyma on Saturday, August 13, 2006 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Chillicothe. He was born on June 6, 1926 in Centerville, IA the son of William R. and Nellie M. Herr Brackett. He married Velma E. Stewart on May 15, 1949 in Galesburg, IL. She lost her battle to cancer in February of 1978. Together they raised four children: Charlie Brackett of Mapleton, Danny (Jan) Brackett of Dunlap, Sandy (Mike) Holden of Chillicothe, and Greg Brackett, who preceded him in death. He married Helen Melin on November 24, 1979. She survives. Also surviving are two step sons: Mike and Pat of Arizona; his three grandchildren: Jessica (and Michael)Brackett Voulgarelis of Savannah, GA, Chris Brackett of Mapleton, and Michelle Brackett of Bartonville, who he spent is retirement enjoying; one great grandson: Andrew J. Voulgarelis; five step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; one brother: Don Brackett; and two sisters: Joyce Groom and Charlotte May of Galesburg. He is preceded in death by his wife, Velma; two sons: James and Greg; two brothers: Neil and Gene Brackett; and two sisters: Lucille Hanks and Martha Walker, who make great cinnamon rolls. He was a brakeman and Conductor for the Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak. He was a member of the United Transportation Union and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. He was a World War II Veteran serving his Country in the U.S. Navy 44th Amphibious Division as a frogman (now known as Navy Seals) from 1942 to 1947. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 4999 and American Legion Post 9. He was an avid Peoria Hockey fan and an enthusiastic camper with his wife. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. Rev. Jeremy Wright will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-8:00 PM. Burial will be in the Chillicothe City Cemetery with military rites conducted by the V.F.W. Post 4999 and American legion Post 9 of Chillicothe. Memorials may be made to Rescue 33, in memory of their "frequent flyer", Les. Online condolences may be submitted through www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com