Lewis “Leroy” Wilson, age 87, of Jasper, MO, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Freeman West in Joplin.
He was born February 24, 1928 near Carl Junction to the late Raymond and Golda Whisner Wilson. Leroy attended the Brick School during his elementary years and was a 1945 graduate of Carl Junction. Following graduation, he served his country in the United State Coast Guard from March 15, 1946 until 1948 in Alameda, California. Leroy then received his Business Degree from Kansas State Teacher’s College in December of 1952.
While in the service, he married Florene Fugitt, June 2, 1946. She preceded him in death February 9, 1996. He later married Joan McCune February 14, 2001 and she survives of the home. Leroy was a member of St. Philips Episcopal Church and recently attended New Providence Baptist Church with Joan. Leroy had worked for E&W Construction, AY McDonald, Ready Made Buildings and was the Executive Director of the Ozark Area Girl Scout Council from 1965 – 1990. After retirement from the Council he drove a bus for the State School for the Handicapped. He served as a Captain and treasurer of the Missouri Governor’s Mounted Guard where he received his nickname, “Tree Top”. Leroy also served several terms as a member of the Carl Junction School Board and treasurer for 20 years. Leroy was a member of the Joplin Rotary Club and Joplin American Legion. He was very involved in the construction and development of the 160 acres of Girl Scout Camp Mintahama. Leroy’s greatest joy was driving the Girl Scout bus to destinations all over the US, being a security guard for the canoers and campers. In later years he and Joan enjoyed attending many of Molly and Caleb’s sporting and 4-H events.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Vicki Cassady and husband Calvin of Carl Junction and Rayma Dover and husband Norman of Carl Junction; granddaughters, Vanessa Polozola and husband Stephen of Mansfield, TX, Rebecca DePriest and husband Brett of Seneca, Sarah Cassady and fiancé, Jason Brunner of Fayettville, AR, Valarie King and husband Tyler of Rolla, MO; grandson, Kristoffer Dover and wife Emilie of Lawrence, KS; step daughter, Suzanne Russell and husband Mark of Jasper; step granddaughter, Molly Russell and step grandson, Caleb Russell and wife Kelsey; and great grandchildren, Calvin, Wilson, Bella, Lola, Mia and Tatum.
Memorial Services will be 2:30 Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the St. Philips Episcopal Church with Father Frank Sierra and Rev. Larry Shumaker officiating. Military rites will follow in the church courtyard .
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Friends of Camp Mintahama, 401 Foxfire Court, Joplin, MO 64801.
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