Leon Mcgoogan

Leon McGoogan, Col, USAF, (Ret)

Leon McGoogan, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and veteran, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 102.

Born on a hilltop cotton farm just south of Lewisville, Arkansas, Leon and his twin brother Leo entered the world during the dog days of summer on August 18, 1923. As the Great Depression took hold and World War II loomed, the McGoogan children — Leon, Leo, and their older sister Kathleen — were raised by hardworking parents, Delonie and Mamie. The family farm provided, and the values instilled there — honesty, integrity, patriotism, charity, and faith in hard work — guided Leon throughout his life.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, changed everything. Leon and Leo graduated from Lewisville High School in June 1942 and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps by December of that year. Leon would serve his country for 36 years, logging more than 10,000 flight hours and flying combat missions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Rising from the rank of private to full Colonel, he ultimately served as Base Commander of Hurlburt Field, Florida, home of the Air Force's 1st Special Operations Wing.

Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1978, Leon returned to the same hilltop farm where his life began. He embraced the role of gentleman farmer while continuing a life of public service. He was appointed Arkansas State Director of Emergency Services under Governor Frank White. When Bill Clinton became governor, Leon — a lifelong Republican — assumed he would be replaced. During their first meeting, Governor Clinton relayed that Democrats in Lafayette County wanted him fired. Leon replied, "Governor, I can have my office cleaned out by five o'clock." Clinton smiled, and Leon kept his position.

In later years, Leon returned to Lewisville. There he founded the Mars Hill Volunteer Fire Department and involved himself in supporting Lafayette County development. All the while he enjoyed golf, travel, family, and friends — mostly golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delonie and Mamie McGoogan; his first wife and mother of his children, Victoria Goolsby McGoogan; his sister, Kathleen McGoogan Ritchie of Las Vegas, Nevada; his twin brother, Leo McGoogan of Birmingham, Alabama; and his son, Michael McGoogan of Mobile, Alabama.

He is survived by his beloved wife, LeAnne Davidson McGoogan; sons Thomas McGoogan (Cynthia) and John McGoogan (Laurie); daughter Joella McGoogan; stepdaughter Eilish Palmer (Charlie); dear friend Demarco Anderson; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

From a cotton farm in southwest Arkansas to the command of a major Air Force installation and back again, Leon never forgot where he came from or the values that shaped him. His devotion to family, country, and community remains his enduring legacy.

He will be honored at the graveside with a 7-man military salute.

Arrangements

A visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, Arkansas, on Tuesday, June 9, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Mars Hill Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mars Hill/Stamps Volunteer Fire Department. For information regarding donations, please contact the department at (870) 533-4771.