Colonel Leon Paul Fleming, USAF Retired “Paul” passed away on April 8, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 16,1934 in Laurel Hill, Florida. He grew up on his family’s farm and from a very young age learned the value of hard-work. He attended Crestview High School in Crestview, Florida where he enjoyed playing football and being an active leader of his high school class. He graduated from Crestview High School in 1952. After high school, he attended the University of Florida where he was a member of the Florida Blue Key society and continued his passion for leadership. He was a huge fan and supporter of Florida Gators Football. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Florida in 1956. He was commissioned into the Air Force through UF AFROTC on June 4, 1956 and entered into his Air Force service on March 1, 1957. He married his wife and the love of his life Marilyn on October 20, 1957 in Newberry, Florida. Throughout his military service, he furthered his education and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Dakota in 1964. He received a Master’s degree in Management from George Washington University in 1974. He attended Weapons Controller School, Tyndall AFB FL; Squadron Officer School, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at the University of North Dakota; Communications Staff Officer School, Keesler AFB MS; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Ft McNair, Washington, D.C.
He was a career USAF officer and life-long advocate for the US military. While in service, Colonel Fleming served in a variety of overseas assignments. He was Weapons Controller, Barter Island, Alaska; Chief, Wire Branch and Chief, Operations Division in the Pacific GEEIA Region, Wheeler AFB HI; and Commander of the 1985 Comm Sq, U-Tapao, Thailand. In October 1974, Colonel Fleming was reassigned as Asst Deputy Chief of Staff of Engineering and Installations, Northern Communications Area, later taking the DCS job in August 1975. Colonel Fleming served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Engineering and Programs, Northern Communications Area (NCA), with Headquarters at Griffiss AFB NY, until reassigned as Commander, 2049 Communications and In Group in August 1978.
Colonel Fleming was the Commander, 2049 Communications and Installation Group, Air Force Communications Service, McClellan Air Force Base, California. He was responsible for accomplishment of the mission of the 2049 Communications and Installation Group as directed by the Commander, Sacramento Air Logistics Center, and the Commander, 2852 Air Base Group. He directed and supervised the staff elements of Group which included O&M responsibilities for all McClellan DCS circuits facilities, on-site maintenance, installation, modernization, relocation or removal of fixed CEM equipment provided worldwide on scheduled or emergency basis; and providing in-house support for Air Weather Service and worldwide support for the RAM Weathervision System and Defense Meteorlogical Satellite Program. He was a part of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) which is now known as North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) which is most notably known for their Santa Tracking capabilities.
His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the AF Commendation Medal.
After retiring from the USAF on August 31, 1979, Colonel Fleming “Paul” moved back to Northwest Florida and continued his family’s business in the timberland and lumber industries. He was a successful and honest businessman and ran his wholesale lumber company well into his 80s. He never met a stranger and had a wonderful sense of humor.
In his last years, he enjoyed spending time with his wife Marilyn, gardening, and playing with his great-granddaughter, Jameson Wilder Wilson, whom he loved very much. He will forever be remembered, loved, and missed by his family and friends.
Paul is preceded in death by his father, Clarence L. Fleming (Father), Effie “Lorene” Fleming (Mother) and Paula M. Lepler (Daughter).
Paul is survived by his wife, Marilyn G. Fleming, his sons, Dale and Les Fleming, his daughter, Pamela S. Fleming Farmer (Dave), his four brothers, Fletcher Fleming, Tim Fleming (Nelda), Gene Fleming and Harvey Fleming (Brenda), his three sisters, Mavis Hancock, Eunice Everett (Roger) and Dorcas Beckstrom (Bruce), his granddaughter, Natalie Fleming Wilson (Rowdy) and his great granddaughter, Jameson Wilder Wilson.
You can share memories and offer condolences at brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
Cindi Waldrop
April 13, 2024, 6:10 pm
My heart is so saddened by the loss of my precious Uncle Paul. I have so many memories of his Bear Hugs and funny sense of humor. He was an absolutely wonderful Uncle and an even better Man!! Love you Uncle Paul and save a place in heaven for me! Don’t act a foul up there with my momma!!
Ken Reiff
April 14, 2024, 3:02 pm
Paul was a very close friend. We accomplished a lot as fellow Air Force members. He was my Commander at the 2049th CIG at McClellan Air Force Base, California. A majority of his career was spent in the engineering and systems installation career field. We both commanded the 1985th Communications Squadron in Thailand.
Paul was one of my closest friends. We often chatted about a variety of topics; mostly keeping up with our military buddies, lumber mill, trees, family, and various military associations.
I will certainly miss him. A wonderful person of honor and integrity.
Ken Reiff