LeRoy Countryman
LeRoy Countryman, 72, a beloved, long-time resident of Moses Lake passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 9, 2011, in Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA. He was born April 13, 1938 to Lloyd and Josephine Countryman in Arlington, WA.
LeRoy was raised by his grandparents, Albert and Olive Countryman, and his Uncle Oliver and Aunt June Countryman. LeRoy attended school in Arlington and joined the United States Navy in 1956. A Vietnam Veteran, LeRoy served two tours as an engineman and was Honorably Discharged in 1964. While serving in the Navy, stationed in Long Beach, CA, LeRoy married Earlene DeMont on April 9, 1960. LeRoy and Earlene became the parents of three beautiful children, LeRoy, Jr. (Butch), Stephen (Steev), and Tammy.
LeRoy began working for Western Kraft in CA in 1964. In 1979, he transferred to Moses Lake to help start up the new plant. LeRoy was well known and respected for his impeccable work ethic and his unmatched precision as a dye cut operator. He retired after three decades of dedicated service and maintained lifetime friendships with his coworkers. LeRoy and Earlene divorced in 1984. On May 1, 1985, LeRoy married Karen L. Evans. They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, traveling in their motor home, fishing, crafting, and woodworking. After Karen passed away from pancreatic cancer, LeRoy married his childhood sweetheart, Joyce Liddle Schroedl, on July 13, 1998. A highlight of LeRoy's life was when he and Joyce became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 15, 2007. LeRoy and Joyce were sealed for time and all eternity in the Columbia River Temple on April 11, 2009. Dedicated to serving others, LeRoy embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved teaching, doing temple work, and serving as an exemplary ward missionary. A devoted husband, father, and friend, LeRoy lived life to the fullest. Good-nature, generosity, compassion, and unconditional love were LeRoy's trademarks, and he willingly gave of his time, talents, resources, and his heart.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Joyce, brothers Richard (Hazel) Countryman of Arlington and Kenneth (Shirley) Countryman of Arlington, sister Patricia (Frank) Wood of Casper, Wyoming, son Butch (Bonnie) Countryman of Stanwood and grandsons Jeramie and Jaymie, son Steev, daughter Tammy Countryman (Drew Francis) of Moses Lake and granddaughters Kristian (Pooter Tooter), and Karlee, four great-grandchildren, cousins Marcella, Bernice, and Jean, and Joyce's children Anthony (Nancy) Schroedl of Spokane and granddaughters Darci and Shawndi, Elizabeth (Kyle) Zoellner of Park City, UT, and grandchildren Amber, Lacey, Konner, and Alix, Diana (Willard) Gardner of Pullman and granddaughters Erin and Haley, Daniel (Sara) Schroedl of Sedona, AZ and granddaughters Emma and Elsie, and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Josephine, his sister JoAnn, his Uncle Oliver and Aunt June, and his second wife, Karen.
The family would like to thank all of the friends and family members, the doctors, nurses, and staff who supported and cared for LeRoy during his stay at Sacred Heart Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Moses Lake 2nd Ward Missionary Fund or supporting child adoption programs.
A viewing for friends will be held from 7:00 -9:00 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Carver Family Funeral Home, 1217 E. Wheeler Road, Moses Lake, WA. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wed, April 13, 2011 at the Grape Drive LDS Chapel, 925 N. Grape Drive, all are invited to attend a luncheon and celebration of LeRoy's life immediately following the services in the Cultural Hall. A graveside service with Full Military Honors will follow in Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Road, Medical Lake, WA. Mark 12: 42-44
Please visit www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com to leave a note or message for LeRoy's family and sign his online guestbook.
LeRoy's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for arrangements.