Edward Levell Jr. was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1953 and advanced through grades to the level of Colonel in 1978. Eddie held various flight training, air operations, and command positions from 1953-1969.
He held the position of Commander of the cadet group, then deputy commandant of the cadet wing at the United States Air Force Academy from 1969-1973. Later he became Deputy Commander, Vice Commander, and Wing Commander of the 1st special operations wing USAF from 1973-1977. Edward Levell, Jr went on to become Wing Commander of the 58th tactical air command training wing from 1977-1978. Later he became Vice Commander/Commander of the 20th air division, from 1978-1983. Col. Levell retired, in 1983.
Civilian Life
Edward Levell, Jr served as Deputy Aviation Commissioner in the City of Chicago Department Aviation from 1983-1989 and then in 1989 became the Deputy Director of Aviation, Finance, and Administration for City of New Orleans Department of Aviation until 1990. From 1990 1992 he served as Deputy Director of Aviation, Operations, and maintenance, becoming the Director of Aviation until 1999. Levell retired in 2000.
Source: Https://prabook.com/web/person-view.html?profileId=1370073
Edward Levell, Jr., Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on August 20, 2024.
Edward Levell, Jr, passed away August 20, 2024, in his Virginia home with family by his side. Born April 2, 1931, in Jacksonville, AL, Eddie was the first of four children of the late Edward and Gabrella Leavell.
Eddie grew up in Jacksonville, attended Jacksonville High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University in Alabama. Earning a master’s degree in urban Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado, Eddie continued his pursuit of excellence by also earning a master’s degree in management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the National War College.
With an extraordinary military career, “Steady Eddie,” as he became known, commanded two Wings and an Air Division, flying over 150 combat missions in Southeast Asia. His exceptional leadership was recognized during his tenure at the Air Force Academy where, as Deputy Commandant of Cadets, he commanded all 40 Cadet Squadrons, overseeing 4,400 cadets with a steady hand and heart of compassion. In December of 1983, Eddie retired after a 30-year military career as an Air Force Colonel and one of the Tactical Air Command’s most accomplished fighter pilots and leaders.
Throughout his distinguished career, Eddie was honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Legion of Merit Award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, Eight Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Transitioning to a new chapter of his life, Col. Levell served as Deputy Commissioner of Operations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for 5 years where he continued his unwavering dedication to public service. For 11 years, he was Director of Aviation for New Orleans International Airport (currently Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport) where he led with distinction before his second retirement. Even in retirement, Eddie’s passion for aviation remained and he continued to serve as a consultant to the aviation industry for several years.
Eddie’s commitment to excellence extended beyond his military service. He was a life-time member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and recognized in the 1990 Who’s Who Among Black Americans. In 1991, Eddie was inducted into the Tuskegee University Athletic Hall of Fame.
A devoted family man, Eddie enjoyed 49 years of marital bliss with his beautiful wife Rosa Maria Casellas Levell.
Eddie leaves to treasure his memory his beloved children, Cheryl “Tootie” Rivera (Frank), Michael “Milo” Levell, Randy “RC” Levell (Lisa) and Willie “Will” Dantzler; one sister Ruby Ann Leavell-Hartley (Joey); two brothers John Levell and Thomas Leavell (Margaret); 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who cherished him deeply. He was preceded in death by his wife Rosa “Kitty,” and his sons Edward “Chico”, Ruben “Rusty”, Kenneth “Skipper”, and Raymond “Raymo”.
Eddie’s life was one of profound service and deep love. He touched the lives of many with his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family, country, and community. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.
May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Rosa and sons, soaring high above the clouds he once commanded with such grace and skill.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to The Falcon Foundation in his name. (falconfoundation.org)
