Longtime Texas Resident and Marine Veteran Leonard Westra Dies at 82

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Leonard Charles Westra, Sr., a longtime resident of Lohn, Texas and a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, passed away on March 5, 2026 at the age of 82 due to congestive heart failure. Westra was born in Grand Haven, Michigan in 1943 and grew up in Coopersville before joining the Marines in 1961. After retiring from the military in 1987, he worked as a Tax Examiner for the IRS until 1999, when he and his wife Janice moved to their ranch in Lohn.

Why it matters

Westra's life story reflects the experiences of many American veterans who served their country, built careers after military service, and retired to rural areas to enjoy hobbies like hunting and fishing. His passing marks the end of an era for his family and community in Lohn, Texas.

The details

During his 26-year military career, Westra served in the Marines and was stationed at various duty stations around the country. After retiring from the Marines in 1987 at the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant, he worked for the IRS as a Tax Examiner until 1999. That year, Westra and his wife Janice moved from Austin, Texas to their small ranch in Lohn, where he enjoyed hobbies like photography, hunting, and fishing.

• Leonard Westra was born on May 30, 1943 in Grand Haven, Michigan.
• Westra joined the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1961 and served until July 31, 1987.
• Westra worked for the IRS as a Tax Examiner from August 1987 until January 31, 1999.
• Westra and his wife Janice moved to their ranch in Lohn, Texas in February 1999.
• Westra passed away on March 5, 2026 at the age of 82.