Leroy Vern Waddle
July 17, 2021
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Leroy Vern Waddle, 89, born December 2, 1931, Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Harvey Waddle and Velma Bankson. He passed away in his favorite place- his “second home” in Texas- on July 17, 2021.
An army war veteran, Leroy owned and operated Waddle Siding until he retired. He met and married his wife, Elanor B. Mathews, in 1954. In their 60 years together, Leroy and Ellie raised three daughters in east Des Moines, camped and traveled the world and were members of the Central Iowa Model A Club. Leroy also sponsored softball teams for his girls, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Lake Ponderosa, Montezuma, where he and Ellie lived until they moved to Lynnville in 2006. Most recently, Leroy lived in Weslaco, Texas with his partner, Mary Jane Meyer.
If you met Leroy, then you knew he was a jokester. You knew you were in trouble when he started out with “Did you hear the one about…” He loved telling jokes, playing cards, reading old western novels, watching Wheel of Fortune and the Chicago Cubs (their World Series win was a dream come true!). He was rarely seen without a toothpick and had a signature way of answering the telephone: “Your nickel!”
Leroy is survived by his daughters: Linda Cort, Lori (Dave) Jones and Nancy (Tony) Neels; companion Mary Jane Meyer; grandchildren: Jennifer Jacobs, Steven (Susan) Cort, Kelley (Brooks) DeHeer, Kati (Justin) Bernard, Dustin Jividen and BillyJohn Tucker; 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, including special nephew Frank Waddle, whom he loved like a son. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elanor, brother Lester “Jim” Waddle and granddaughter, Jami Lynn Tucker.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home with family there from 5-7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Leroy.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dan Harrington
03/18/2022
Our prayers to the family on the loss of a very special man. Leroy and my Dad Bob were best friends for many years. He was Best Man for my Dad when He and Mom were married. He saved my life when I needed a blood transfusion, and the Hospital required a blood donor. My blood would not clot, and I was bleeding to death and needed help quickly. Leroy was the only match. God Bless him. My Dad was in the Model A Club with him, I always wondered if he ended up with my Dad's Model A after Dad passed in late 1997. I hope so! God's Speed, Leroy. I know you and Dad are pulling pranks in Heaven!
Larry Hudson
08/10/2021
Linda, Lori & Nancy - and your families - I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Our prayers go out to you in this time of grief. I trust you will find comfort in God and family in this time.
Verna O'Brien
08/03/2021
To all of Leroy's family I am sorry for your loss. Leroy was great. I had a lot of fun hanging out at the Waddle house growing up. Great family ;-)
Terri Hines
07/27/2021
I'm glad to have meet Leroy, he was a very special person. I will miss him dearly. My prayers will be with the family.
Ken & Marie Grove
07/26/2021
Prayers for your family during this loss. Leroy was an awesome person. He made us welcome, he was loving and caring. He became a special member of our family. He will be missed by all that ever knew him.
Austin & Kim Jones
07/21/2021
Lori, Nancy & Family; We are so sad to hear of the passing of your beloved father, Leroy. He is a wonderful man. He always enjoyed sharing a good joke or trying to pull the wool over your eyes with a story. Just remember his love and spirit are with you always. Peace to you all!!!