Leodegario Quilalang Badar, age 93, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed away on October 2, 2026. He was born on August 28, 1933 in Botolan, Zambalez, Philippines. He served in the United States Navy for 20 years from 1960 to 1980, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He served on the destroyer USS Gyatt and diesel submarine USS Harder while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He was on shore duty stationed in Newport, Rhode Island and served on the nuclear submarine USS Benjamin Franklin while stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Finally, based on his many years of exemplary service and outstanding performance evaluations, the White House selected him as a military chef to manage the president’s food and dining needs while away from the White House compound. He served under Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

He received numerous Good Conduct Awards and a Presidential Service Badge & Certificate. After his retirement he returned to the work force at the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 7 years. He graduated from Prince George's Community College with Associate's Degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. He was a lifetime member of the United States Submarine Veteran's Holland Club, the American Legion, the Moose Lodge and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Secular Order of Port Tobacco.

In his younger years, Lod enjoyed fishing and crabbing almost every weekend. He spent countless hours tending to his large vegetable garden and being outdoors. He loved ballroom dancing with his wife and tropa (friends) at the Moose. The Tango was their signature dance. He was famous for cooking his White House Nixon steak for friends and out of town guests. Later in life, he completed the Education Parish Service Program at Trinity College and was an active parishoner at St. John's serving as Eucharistic Minister. He especially cherished time with his children and being a Lolo (grandfather) to his grandchildren. He was a quiet and humble man who believed in the value of hard work. He was known for his strong work ethic, his faith, and dedication to his family and responsibilities. His quiet strength and dependable nature left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.

Lod is survived by his wife of 63 years, Enna, as well as their children Edward (Amanda) and their daughter Victoria Palmer, Melanie, and Rose Ann (Ronald) Weller and their children Adam and Sydney; his sister Norma (Jack) Joseph, sister Excellencia (the late Ausencio) Daos, brother Julius (Remedios), sister Lina (Edilberto) Domulot and numerous family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonardo and Marcelina Badar and his brother Leonardo, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Lee Funeral Home, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, Maryland. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, Maryland. A funeral reception will follow immediately after services.