"Leonard Vandermast Jr., 81, of Cedar Creek, Tex., formerly of Austin, Tex., passed away on July 28, 2006, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 1, 1924, in Chester, NY, to Leonard Sr. and Margaret Reid Vandermast. Leonard's talents and passion for life accomplished much while giving tirelessly to family, friends, and country. In 1942, he joined the Army Air Corp and was part of a B-24 bomber crew that flew 49 missions over Germany before coming back to the states a decorated veteran. After military service, Leonard worked for Curtis Wright Corp as a machinist on experimental aircraft. Moving his family to Texas in 1955, he worked at the UT Research Center in Austin. Then in 1957, Leonard joined the Austin Police Department serving over 20 years before retiring in 1978 as a Detective Sergeant. Leonard married Lillian Ann Chiko on September 24, 1944, in Passaic, NJ. In their retirement years, they opened Lil-Len Dolls and Crafts where Leonard's passion for woodworking could be seen. He was happiest being creative in his workshop, traveling in his RV, or fishing with his family. Leonard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lillian; daughter, Diane Chaison Davis; and son, Leonard Vandermast III, and their families, including nine grandchildren and their families. Grandsons, Bobby, Bill, and Steve Chaison shared a special place in his life and love. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Vandermast and sister-in-law, Ruth Lotterman, and their families, numerous and much-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. We will miss his sense of honor, kindness, strength, but most of all his smile and sense of humor...."
("Austin American-Statesman," July 30, 2006)