Leo Charles Janes

Leo was born on June 24, 1943, to Charles and Evelyn Janes in Prosser, WA. Leo’s family moved several times in his early childhood before returning to Grandview, WA, where they farmed Leo’s grandparents’ farm. Leo graduated from Grandview High School and joined the Air Force in May of 1964. He was a Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in May 1968. Leo met the love of his life and lifelong partner, Colleen Queener, while studying at Eastern Washington University. They were married on August 25, 1973. Leo graduated from Eastern with a BS in 1975. They had two children. Elliot was born in 1977, and Raelene was born in 1981. Leo and Colleen lived in Starbuck, WA, for most of their married life, where they worked and were involved in Starbuck Community Church. Leo was a vital part of the Army Corps of Engineers Shop in Pasco and at nearby Hydropower Dams for more than 30 years.

Leo led the Janes family on many camping trips, sledding escapades, and water skiing adventures, and taught them to skillfully repair many vehicles, buildings, and much more. Leo always loved finding something to laugh about, a good cup of coffee, and a hand of pinochle. He was a highly skilled mechanic who seemingly could fix anything. He used his gift of service to lovingly serve others all over Starbuck, WA, and beyond. He wouldn’t brag about it, but he worked through the entire Navigators Bible Memory system several times over. Elliot and Raelene would wake up to find him and Colleen reading the Bible or praying in their favorite chairs. If you made it over to his place, he’d offer you a cup of espresso, and he would be your barista. He loved to joke with Colleen; he loved her smile and her laugh. In his retirement, Leo began to ask himself about his choices – “What will this matter in eternity?”

Leo and Colleen have five wonderful grandchildren who, like their parents and grandparents, love the Lord Jesus Christ. Leo will be deeply missed by his entire family.

For the last two years of his life, Leo’s battle with Lewy Body Dementia took its toll on his ability to do all of the things he loved. Despite this, he worked to remember his family, prioritize his faith, and serve those around him in whatever way he could. He peacefully graduated to glory on April 10, 2026, in his bed at his daughter’s home after many of the most difficult days of his struggle with LBD.

Leo is survived by his wife, Colleen; his children: Elliot Janes (Graciela) and Raelene Garrison (Chris); grandchildren: Hannah (15), Elijah (14), Hezekiah (11), Hadassah (11), and Charles (9); his brother, Doug; and many nieces and nephews. In Heaven, he was greeted by his parents, Charles and Evelyn Janes, and his sister, Kalyn Kelsey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Starbuck Community Church, 110 Main St, Starbuck, WA, followed by a graveside service at 2:30 PM at Starbuck Cemetery, 1401 Kellogg Hollow Rd.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Starbuck Community Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.