Leo Francis Trader

  Leo F. Trader

 5/29/24-4/11/25

Leo F. Trader, long time resident of Cochise County Arizona, passed away Friday April 11, 2025. He had been a resident of Healing Hearts Assisted Living in Sierra Vista, Arizona since November 2024.

Even though he contracted Polio in his teens and was told he wouldn't live to 40; he proved them wrong almost making it to his 101st Birthday. He lived an extraordinary life. Lived through seventeen presidents, World War II, a marriage of 67 years, four children, 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He started out being born in the Township of Yarrow, Missouri on the Charlston River in the Yarrow Depot. He joined the Missouri Guard at an early age, ended up with United Airline in San Francisco. He volunteered to go to the Pacific, was suppose to be 3 weeks in Austrailia but ended up at Hickham Field, Pearl Harbor. He served 3 years in the Pacific Operations Air Command.  Upon getting out of the service, he held several jobs before coming to Marana, Arizona where he worked for 3 years before starting his 32 year career at Libby Army Airfield at Fort Huachuca, Az.

His working years took him from Yarrow to San Francisco, Pearl Harbor to Liberal, Oskaloosa to Chicago, Marana to Tombstone, from Fort Huachuca/Sierra Vista finally retiring in Huachuca City/Whetstone. He never met a stranger and made many friends in his travels. He Trekked the hills and deserts of Arizona with his many friends, son Terry  and grandsons. We will miss the many great stories we heard so many times.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife Emma Marie,  parents Arthur and Maudie Trader, his brothers Carlyle and Ross, sister Eva Bell Waters, his son Terry, grandson John Appelin and many other family and friends.

Leo is survived by his daughters Janet M. Mills (Al), Emma Sue Smith and Patti A. Hartzell. He also survived by his many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dad, now you are free to work on your many projects as long as you want with Terry by your side. Thank you for your guidance, love, memories made and stories.

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