Bainbridge resident Leslie Hackler, Jr. died Dec. 16 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle.

He was born on May 20, 1920, in McKinney, Texas. Dallas was home to the very large Hackler family for over 100 years.

He was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, which became the U.S. Air Force, during World War II, serving in the South Pacific. He flew 56 combat missions.

He also served during the Korean conflict.

Over the course of his career he worked as a tax attorney, CPA and politician.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, DeNeyce; daughter Elaine Tanner Gallaugher and husband Wes of Bainbridge Island; son Leslie Hackler III and wife Christina of Arlington, Texas; daughter Janette Scott and husband Ernie of Estero, Fla.; daughter Karen Rutan and husband Bill of Carefree, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include sister Dorthea Choate of Dallas; sister-in-law Dee Wilder and niece Susan Smith, both of Texas; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Remembrances can be sent to VA Hospital or the Bainbridge Public Library for the benefit of the Visually Impaired Persons.