Jay Wallace McLeod

Jay Wallace McLeod passed away on December 22, 2021. He was born on March 11, 1921, in Topeka, Kansas to parents, Roy and Ethel McLeod, the second of three boys. He spent his early years in Valley Falls, Kansas, later moving with his family to Kansas City, Missouri in 1933 where they lived until 1935, then moving to the Bismarck Grove and the Lawrence, Kansas area where they lived until moving back to Wyandotte County in 1937, where Jay went to Wyandotte High School. The family then moved back to Valley Falls, where Jay graduated from high school in 1939. Jay enlisted in the 430th Army Air Corps reserve pursuit squadron based at Richards Field in Kansas City and participated in this activity for three years. He then began working with TWA in 1941, working in conjunction with the Army Air Force in Albuquerque at a four-engine transition flying school and subsequently in Kansas City at a technical training center. In 1943 he left TWA and volunteered for induction into the U.S. Navy pilot training program. He rapidly progressed as a naval aviator through basic and intermediate training as well as through multiengine, seaplane, and instrument flight certifications and completed his tour of duty as an instrument flight instructor in Pensacola, FL. When World War II ended, he returned to TWA mostly flying between Kansas City and New York City. In Kansas City he met his future wife Trudy Maltzahn, and they were married in 1946. In 1958 Jay began working for Cessna Aircraft in product support. He flew over much of the US in his work with Cessna. He loved the flying and travel that came with his career, ultimately retiring November 1982. Jay also remained active in the Naval Reserve for many years after he left active duty, retiring at the rank of Commander in March 1981. Jay was active socially in Wichita with his church, the aviation community, and in other social and cultural activities at Wichita State University and in the Wichita community. He worked hard and very lovingly to take care of his wife, Trudy, in her declining years, and she preceded him in death January 7, 2014. He was a very positive individual who was always trying to make new friends, and he kept busy with artistic projects and aviation-related activities throughout his four decades of retirement. He was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude “Trudy,” and by brothers, Stewart and Robert. He is survived by children, Kathryn (Scott) Iverson and Alan (Patricia); four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial Service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 6, 2021 at University United Methodist Church. Zoom link for the service is available upon request from pastorjo@uumc.net Memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita, KS 67220. Jay was loved by many and he will be greatly missed. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.