FRANKLINTON - MSG Leo Joseph VanDeusen I, 83, Army retired, died Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 at home.  He was born on July 15, 1928 in Livingston Manor, NY.

Surviving: wife of 53 years, Rosenell; sister, Joan Mears of Riverside, CA; children, Louise Iversen (Tom) of Franklinton, Leo Joseph VanDeusen II (Robbin) of Fayetteville, Lisa Nizam (Bobby) of Lake Worth, FL; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.

He was a veteran of three foreign wars: WWII, Republic of Korea and Republic of Vietnam. He was awarded numerous military honors which include one Silver Star, four Bronze Stars with Valor, and three Purple Hearts. He began his distinguished military career at age 17 serving in the Navy during WWII. During the Korean War he served as Pararescue in the Air Force. He finished his career in the Army as part of the original Special Forces Operations and served in Vietnam for 6 years.

A memorial service was Sept. 9 at Calvary Chapel, in Fayetteville, followed by a graveside service at Sandhills State Veteran’s Cemetery officiated by his son, Pastor Leo Joseph VanDeusen II.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make donations to Calvary Chapel Fayetteville, 9610 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304 or North Wake Baptist Church, 1212 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587.