Lenard Creed Rose departed this world April 30, 2004. He had returned home to Waurika, Oklahoma, in 1992, where he served as an active member of VFW post 4892. As a member of one of the last pioneer families, he arrived on a covered wagon in Sugden from Whitesboro, Texas, in 1923. A career military man, he married Verta Mae Benton of Mae, Oklahoma, October 26, 1944, while home on leave from Australia. His military career spanned three wars.

World War II service was spent in the Pacific theater, primarily in the jungles of New Guinea. During the Korean Conflict, his compassion for the innocent child victims of war led him to join a special unit of soldiers dedicated to providing food, clothing and shelter for Korean orphans. Following retirement from the service as a decorated Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he once again answered his country's call and came out of retirement to serve in Viet Nam.

A lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion, his pride in service to his country and to others was evident throughout his life. Following 9/11 he planted a "Freedom Garden" which he happily shared with others each year. His last garden grows today in Waurika, a final gesture of service and good will. For many years, he was an active member of the T.E.V. Edelveiss Club, located in Denver, Colorado, and for nearly the last quarter century, he and his bride wintered in California, near the Mexican border, following warm weather and adventure, in a series of motorhomes.

Lenard Rose loved life and, though he aged, never really grew old. On April 30, he took his final ride on a great white horse, which he always told his children meant good luck.