Leo Richard Price

Big Springs, Texas Leo R. Price, 78, of Abilene, Texas, died Thursday, December 7, 2017, at Texas State Veterans Home in Big Springs Texas. Leo was born July 7, 1939 in Brownsville to John and Margaret Lambert Price. In 1957, he graduated from Connersville High School where he starred on the unbeaten football team. He also was a member of the CHS basketball team that won the regional tournament two years in a row. Following high school, Leo graduated from Purdue University where he participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1962 and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel following 28 years of service with distinction. Leo’s many honors and citations included, the Airman’s Medal for saving a life in Thailand, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak clusters and the Airman Commendation Medal. For over 20 years, Leo was employed with the Department of Energy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leo is survived by his daughters and their husbands: Kristine Clifford and Paul of Spring Valley, California; Vikki Simonetti and Michael of Abilene, Texas; his grandchildren: Amanda Clifford, Leo Simonetti, Amy Simonetti and Michael Simonetti, Jr.; his siblings: Howard Price of Connersville, James Price and his wife, Linda of Newburgh and Lois Ligon Miller of Newburgh; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his wife, the former Barbara Schimpff. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Rev. Jeffery Deaton of Central Christian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Abington Cemetery, Wayne County. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2017, where memorial contributions may be made to Indiana University Alzheimer Research, 355 West 16th Street Indianapolis, IN 46202. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com