Leslie Dean Lade was born to Orvil and JoAnne (Tucker) Lade on December 17, 1958 in Beatrice, Nebraska. He was the seventh child born to this union. Les moved to Tecumseh when he was one year of age with his family from the farm by Vesta. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. Growing up, Les was involved in sports with Tecumseh Schools. He graduated from Tecumseh High School with the Class of 1977.

On December 7, 1977, Les enlisted in the United States Air Force which began a 20-year career with the military. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 31, 1997. Les served the majority of his career overseas in the Philippines, Italy and South Korea. He retired with the Rank of Master Sargent. He was an aircraft armament craftsman. Les received many awards upon his discharge including the Air Force Achievement Meda, Air Force Commendation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle, NATO Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal and the Armed Forces Service Award. He was a lifetime member of the Tecumseh VFW Post # 8221.

In his spare time, Les enjoyed fishing, reading and keeping current with politics. He passed away August 21, 2025 at his home in Cook, Nebraska at the age of 66 years.

Les is survived by his siblings: Linda and Brad Meints of Winston, MO, Steve and Mary Lade of Douglas, Susie and Jim Hill of Beatrice, Sarah Sears, Ron and Shirley Lade and Bruce and

Christy Lade all of Tecumseh and Mitchell Howard of Kearney, sister-in-law Mary Lade of Tecumseh and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Lade, sister Pam Plager and brothers-in-law Dan Sears and Gene Plager.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025 at the Tecumseh Cemetery in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Pastor Ken Tubbesing officiating.

Memorials may go to the Johnson County Avenue of Flags.

Inurnment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, with full military honors by the Offutt Air Force Honors Team and the Tecumseh VFW Post #8221 and American Legion Post #2.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.