Oscar Leopoldo Paredes

Oscar “Leo” Leopoldo Paredes, age 83, passed away on July 25, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

Leo was born on June 9, 1940, in El Paso, Texas to Felipe Paredes and Helen Velasco.
He was a 1958 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School in Pleasant Hill, California and went on to study electrical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. He also served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1960-1964, A1C rank in aircraft control and radar operations and repair.

On February 24, 1963, Leo married Karen Anne West, the love of his life in Albany, Oregon. He faithfully cared for her through the years when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1980. She is with us today because of his loving commitment as her primary caretaker.

Leo had a passion for computer technology and the sciences. He also enjoyed race cars, collecting Lionel train sets and building home electronics. At the early age of 4, he learned the violin at the encouragement of his Grandmother Lala. He went on to learn piano, guitar, harmonica, and trumpet. He started a band in the late 50s called the Del Rays in California and Oregon traveling to local clubs to perform. He loved listening and playing music and singing.

He enjoyed a long career at Lockheed Martin Corp. as a quality engineer and retired in 1997 after 30 years.

Leo was preceded in death by his sister, Yvonne Paredes Bonilla. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen West Paredes; daughters, Dana Paredes and Darci Herr; brother, Felipe Paredes Jr.; and grandchildren, Hunter Banks, Austin Herr, Adam Herr & Carly Herr and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leo will be laid to rest at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. A brief committal service for Leo will be held there on August 8, 2023 at 2:00pm with Military Honors.