- Date Of Birth: June 15, 1932
- Date Of Death: August 9, 2020
- State: Idaho
Louis Leon Hubsmith, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed from this life into the arms of his Savior, on August 9, 2020, in his home in Dietrich, Idaho.
Leon was born to Rozina Lee Vallem and Seymour Schiller Hubsmith in Rupert, Idaho, on June 15, 1932. He was raised mostly in Richfield, Idaho where he graduated from High School.
Leon attended the University of Idaho and later completed the Air Force Aviation Cadet Training, where he excelled, graduating at the top of his class. He served his country in two major conflicts. Immediately following the end of the Korean War, he became stationed in Pusan, South Korea. Later, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he flew many missions. His accomplishments in his 20-year career in the Air Force, were impressive. Attaining the rank of Major, he not only logged over 10,000 flight hours (3,000 of which were in combat), but also set himself apart by becoming one of very few pilots (possibly no others), certified to be a “check pilot” on as many as five different aircraft. This highly unusual distinction earned him the greatest of respect from his peers and commanding general.
Upon retirement from the military, Leon purchased a farm in Richfield, Idaho, where he and his first wife, Darlene, raised their four children. Later they sold their farm and lived in Twin Falls for a time, before purchasing another farm in Dietrich. This was a dream come true for him and he enjoyed working the land, and raising and riding his beloved horses. He was successful in his labors, expanding the farm as the years went by. In 1988, Darlene died of cancer. Later, he married Iris Steva and together they lived on the farm and he continued the work for another 26 years. After retiring from farming, they moved into a new house, just ¼ mile from the old farm house, where he resided until his death. During their marriage, Leon and Iris enjoyed seeing the world.
To his children, grandchildren, and many a young friend, Leon was a role model and mentor they could look to and depend on for guidance, and who affected their character development. He walked the talk.
Leon is survived by: Iris, his loving wife of 31 years; his children – Kitty Rodriguez, Shan Hubsmith, Tanya Ballard, and Angel Hubsmith; 22 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren; siblings – Gene Hubsmith and Sandra Weigt, and his “doggie” – Thor.
He was preceded in death by his first wife – Darlene Ida Perron Hubsmith; brother – Gary Hubsmith; and son-in-law – Scott Norman.
