Leo P. Schmelzle, 90, of St. Benedict, KS, died Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born November 6, 1919, on a farm northeast of Emmett, KS, the son of George and Catherine Tholl Schmelzle. He attended Halligan School, then in 1932 the family moved to Kelly where he attended Old Lincoln School.

Leo worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 during World War II. He served in China with the 308th Bomb Squadron of the famed 14th U.S. Air Force “Flying Tigers,” which had evolved from the covert volunteer force of the same name. Under the command of General Claire L. Chennault, the Flying Tigers were known for innovative air-war tactics and the shark-nose painted on the front of their planes. The esprit de corp of the Tigers extended to the maintenance crews who kept the often outnumbered Tigers in the air against the Japanese. Leo was an airplane engine mechanic on B-24 Liberators in the bomber wing of the Tigers, and later in life was always open to discussing Flying Tigers lore with WWII history buffs. He was discharged in 1945 as a sergeant, and returned home to farm with his father.

On Dec. 29, 1949, he married Esther Mohrman at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They lived on Esther’s home place northwest of St. Benedict. They farmed, raised livestock, and operated Leo’s Electric. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in December of 1999.

Leo was a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict and served as a CCD teacher. He was also a member of the Earle W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion in Seneca. He was on the steering committee of the Rural Water District #3 when it was formed in 1972. He was the Hustlers 4-H electrical projects leader for many years, and was a coach for St. Benedict baseball teams.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his later years.

Survivors are his wife Esther of the home; a son Joe (Marcia) Schmelzle of Seneca; a daughter Joan (Gene) Lierz of Seneca; a brother Frank Schmelzle of Kansas City, MO; and five grandchildren, Stacy, Amber, and Caleb Schmelzle, and Jeff and Jason Lierz.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, and brothers Albert, Carl, and Leonard.

Funeral service will be at 11 AM Saturday, April 3, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday, April 2, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, and sent in care of the family.