Leslie Wayne Gallatin

He graduated from Austin High School in May 1967 and joined the military soon after at the age of 17 years old. He was trained to be a paratrooper and radio operator with the 8th Infantry Division in Germany. In January 1969, Les was sent to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles”, where he fought in the Battle of Hamburger Hill. Leslie was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

After returning to the States in January 1970, Les enrolled in Southwest Texas State and became employed with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in October 1970. He would work for them for the next 37 years, retiring April 1st, 2008.

In August 1974, Les was working on the telephones at Camp Mabry where he discovered there was an Airborne Unit at Camp Mabry, and he quickly reenlisted with The Texas National Guard. He loved to parachute out of airplanes and helicopters and was so skilled that they asked him to teach at the Jump School at Camp Mabry. He attended Pathfinder School and was proud to become a Pathfinder. He served a total of 26 years in the military, retiring in December 1996. Les received many medals and awards during his time with the military, including the USA Meritorious Service Medal, the US Army Achievement Medal, the Texas Army National Guard Achievement Medal, the Texas National Guard Faithful Service Medal, the Adjutant General’s Individual Award, and the Texas National Guard Meritorious Service Medal.

Les became a Life Member of the National Guard Association of Texas and he was awarded The Davy Crockett Award for his service to the Association.

In June 1974, Leslie met Kathy Loftis on a blind date and soon fell in love. They were married on February 26, 1977, and were blessed with two wonderful boys, Marshall and Russell. Les vowed to be the best Dad he could be! And he was.

Leslie loved to eat BBQ, to gamble, to hunt deer, to go to the lake in his boat, to go to Port Aransas to fish on the beach, to travel, and to dance to Country Music. He especially enjoyed Meryl Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Blondie, Ray Stevens, and the Geezinslaws.

He participated in all of his sons' activities, baseball, soccer, school bands, and Boy Scouts. He was especially proud of both his sons achieving the highest rank in Scouting – Eagle Scout. Les enjoyed working at Casino Knights with his whole family, especially when he and both of his sons staffed the craps tables and Kathy was on the roulette wheel.

For many years, Les and his family attended Koenig Lane Christian Church. He served on many committees, became an Elder in the church, and the Moderator of the Church Council.

Leslie was a wonderful husband, a loving father, and a proud American. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy; his son, Marshall and his wife, Christie; his son, Russell and his wife, Lea; his three granddaughters and one step-grandson.

Les will be buried with full military honors on Tuesday, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.