Leonard Lewis Haas

December 2, 1938 ~ February 15, 2023
Fort Wayne, Indiana – Leonard Lewis Haas, of Plainfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Leonard was born to Oscar Lewis Haas and Glenna (Focht) Haas in Gratis, Ohio on December 2, 1938. He was 84 years old.
Leonard graduated from Lanier High School before attending Drexel College of Engineering in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He married the love of his life, Katherine S. Haas, on September 5, 1959. They celebrated 63 years of marriage together before her passing on September 16, 2022.
Leonard worked at the Philadelphia Gear Corporation for over twenty-one years before moving to Speco Corp and finally to Rolls Royce Aeronautical. During his time at Rolls Royce, he contributed design elements to the F-35 Lightning Jet Fighter, the Blackhawk helicopter, the Osprey Tilt-Lift Rotor, and San Francisco’s cable car overhaul.
Leonard gave freely of his time to many different organizations and groups. He served as the Technical Vice President & Committee Chair of the American Gear Manufacturing Association, was one of the founding members of the Chester County Trail Club and long-time board member of the Mustang Club of Indianapolis. He was a parishioner of the First Baptist Church in Mooresville.
If Leonard could be anywhere though, it would be in his garage, working on his cars. He loved collecting, maintaining, and touring his classic cars across the western half of the United States. An avid racing fan, he would travel to every race he could with Katherine. In return, she would take him to her favorite symphonies.
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Lewis Haas and Glenna (Focht) Haas; his beloved wife Katherine S. (Baker) Haas.
Leonard is survived by his children, son Michael L. Haas (Diane Moon), daughters Teresa Stachofsky (Mark), and Lisa Backer (Daniel), eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Leonard’s family and friends will gather at the Mooresville First Baptist Church at 10 am for visitation on March 18, 2023. Memorial services will follow at 11 am with Pastor Bob Koval presiding.
Leonard will be interred in Gratis, Ohio at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Mooresville’s Music Department.
Please visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the online registry book.
Lucia & Joe Backer & Family has purchased Eternal Love for Leonard Haas
My thoughts and prayers to Lens family. I started at RR in 1990 with Len as my boss. The best boss I ever had. I literally hit the career jackpot. I was trained by one of the most respected people in the gear industry. He was a fantastic teacher. He is simply one of the best engineers I have ever worked with. I was lucky to go to several races with him. Great engineer and great man.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. Len was a special guy who loved his cars and his family. That was very evident in the video presentation. Howard, Zach, and I enjoyed our time being neighbors with him and your mother. We are unable to attend the memorial service Saturday, but know that you are in our thoughts.