Leroy William Staylor, age 99 of Canton, passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at his residence.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30AM Friday September 14, 2018 from the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Poway, CA with the burial taking place in Miramar National Cemetery with Full military honors Monday September 17, 2018 at 1:00PM.

He is survived by:

Wife – Elizabeth Catherine Staylor of Canton
Son – Peter LeRoy (Merry Lou) Staylor of Riverside, CA.
Son – Michael William (Saundra) Staylor of Canyon Lake, CA.
Son – James Robert (Anne) Staylor of Poway, CA.
Son – John Lawrence (Debbie) Staylor of Wilsonville, OR.
Son – Paul Charles (Krista) Guichard of Marietta, Ga.
Daughter – Jo Diane Boyle of Oceanside, CA.
Daughter – Lise Marie (Ken) Mahoney of Encinitas, CA.
Sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Staylor was the son of the late Estelle Marie Beck and LeRoy Michael Staylor. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland. His father was a great role model and served in the Coast Guard and then the Army during WWI. His great-grandfather, Henry Marshall Staylor, fought in the War of 1812 and was honored as defender of the City of Baltimore.

Soon they moved to Easton where Roy attended school and spent happy days at the shore with extended family on the Chesapeake Bay.

At 16 Roy graduated from Easton High School and was awarded a partial scholarship to St Johns College, in Annapolis, Maryland. He was the first member of the family to go to college. Mr. Staylor succeeded in school. He rushed Sigma Alpha Epsilon, joined the school band, where he played sax, and secured a position on the junior varsity and then varsity Lacrosse team. He was a staff writer for the "Collegian" school newspaper for three years, was Jr. class Vice President, and Senior Class Vice President, and co- founder and secretary of the Dance Orchestra, member of the Cotillion Club, the Osler Club and participated in intra murals for 4 years.

Private first class Staylor entered the Cavalry Unit and played cowboy until the declaration of war when his trusty steed was retired. Undaunted, he soon became Tech Sergeant, discovered Officer candidate school, and 6 months later became First Lt. Staylor. With war in full bloom, Lt. Staylor attended adjutant general's school and became an official part of the Army Air Corps. A leader by nature, he became assistant editor- in -chief of the memory book and part of the executive committee for the reunion set for 1947.

For the early part of the war Roy was busy being trained for greater assignments in the Air Corps until the last and most treacherous years of the war... the Pacific Theater... preparing for the Invasion of Japan. In 1944, Mac Arthur returned to liberate the Philippines. From New Guinea, to Leyte, to Luzon Roy's unit, part of the Famous Fifth Air Force followed MacArthur on his island-hopping tour and provided materials support, as every area was liberated. Then it was on to Okinawa to prepare for the invasion. Never let it be said that Truman's decision was easy.... 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren all agreed with Harry S. Truman. Victory had come at last. In September 1945, Mac Arthur and Roy entered Japan as part of the occupation forces. The transport ship he was on was sunk by a Japanese kamikaze and ended up floating in the Pacific.

In 1946, Mr. Staylor married Jean Roberts. After a brief stint in the veteran's organization and the army air reserve, Roy agreed to accept a new commission in the newly established US Air Force in 1947. Thus, Captain Staylor was sent to the Pentagon to help in the establishment of testing, measurement and training of the new airmen.

Soon it was off to Germany...with the USAF in Europe. The Soviet Union was a threat to all of Europe and America committed to help defend Western Europe. NATO had been established and it was time to help our European allies develop and train their air force. Now, Major Staylor was part of the teaching and personnel staff. As chief of the on the job training section, Major Staylor was instrumental in assisting the Danes, The Dutch, and the Italians. Major Staylor enjoyed his stay and his assignment. In his eyes, all assignment were good assignments.

In 1957, Roy went back to the Pentagon serving a total of three tours in D.C. He also served two tours at March Air Force Base, part of the 8th Air Force, the Strategic Air Command, home of the west coast nuclear war heads and B 52 bombers. His secret to staying young was frequent tennis matches with the General.

One of his favorite tours was in Newfoundland. Second in Command, and up to their eyebrows in snow, Roy and his family enjoyed 1 1/2 years in the snow. He also became a full bird colonel and was privileged to welcome the Royal princess, sister of the late King George, on her visit to Newfoundland.

And soon his 30 year military career came to an end, but not before being awarded, at the direction of the President of the United States, the Legion of Merit, given for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and Deputy Chief of Staff for personnel, Headquarters 15th Air Force. The Citation goes on to say Colonel Staylor's intelligent leadership, strong managerial capabilities and total dedication to duty proved to be vital factors in the substantial improvements noted in the operation of personnel functions and activities at 15th Air Force. His mature wisdom and dynamic attitude have greatly enhanced effectiveness and morale throughout his organization. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Col. Staylor culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." We thank you for your service Colonel!

Retirement from the service came in 1972, but not retirement in general. With children still at home, Roy initiated a second career as a fund raiser, working for University of the Redlands, Downs Syndrome, and Cystic Fibrosis. Roy's kind heart and dedication served him well in those endeavors.

Ever involved in his community, Roy joined the exchange club, serving as president, Kiwanis Club also serving as president among other offices.

He was also proud to be chosen as Chairman of the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission Committee for the City of Riverside. The work up to the yearlong event and celebration took over two years of time and effort to coordinate. No small task but our Roy was up to the task.

Roy had six children, two girls and four boys of whom he is very proud and lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He remarried and inherited another son and more grandchildren. In addition, he gained two brothers, and a sister. It would be remiss to not acknowledge the sons in laws and daughter's in-law who have contributed to his life and happiness.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Staylor family.