Leofuldo “Lee” Tablanza

Leofuldo “Lee” Tablanza passed away on the evening of Dec. 6, 2018, in his home in Ocean Shores, Wash., after a four-year battle with cancer.

Born in Salem, Ore. on March 1, 1947, Lee graduated from North Salem High School in 1965 and attended WOC Monmouth, Chemeketa Community College and Portland State University.

He dedicated his working life to serving and protecting others, including working for 11 years at the Oregon State Penitentiary and 26 years with various police departments, including Salem, Mt. Angel and Berkeley. He also served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968.

Lee’s family remembers his love for fishing, clamming and hunting, his enjoyment of the beach, his sense of humor and his boisterous, contagious laughter.

They also remember how he loved to serve others, his involvement in his church and community and his overflowing love for his family.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Betty Jean Tablanza, his brother-in-law Steve, and his first wife, Rosemary Ann.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Dee, and siblings Gloria, Esther (Shawn), Manuel and Albert.

He is survived by his children Leofuldo (Elsa), Samuel, Angelina (Abraham), Joshilyn (Michael) and Nicholas (Meaghan); as well as his grandchildren Kaitlin, Jessica, Hailey, Noah, Nathaniel, Eleesha, Grace, Cheyanne, Ava Jo, Kylie, Abby Lee, Hunter and Harlan. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lee will be buried at the Willamette National Cemetery during a closed ceremony. All are welcome to join in the celebration of his life on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 240 Canal Drive SE in Ocean Shores.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests coat donations made to your local elementary schools — a symbol of Lee’s spirit of generosity.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts by signing the on-line notice at www.colemanmortuary.net.