LeRoy F. Lenz, 82, of Knoxville, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023, 2:05 PM at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
LeRoy was born January 8, 1941 in a rural farm house outside of Hermon. He was the son of Floyd and Alda (Beer) Lenz. He married Susie (Soper) Porter on April 12, 1997 at the Abingdon American Legion. Together they celebrated a marriage of 25 years, but built a life that spanned 38. LeRoy is survived by his loving wife, Susie at home; his four daughters, Melinda Bush of St. Petersburg, FL, Shari (Mike) Parkinson of O’Fallon, MO, Shelley Lenz and Tracey Quinn, both of Knoxville; brother, Roger (Bobbie) Lenz of Knoxville; twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; and his uncle and aunt, Dale (Martha Lee) Lenz of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Patricia and niece, Roberta.
LeRoy graduated from Avon High School. He was a mechanic and auto-parts salesman. He owned and operated L&R Supply Company in Gilson for a number of years, retiring in 2006. He enjoyed racing and was on the volunteer fire crew for the dirt track races at the Knox County Fair Grounds. He also loved to tinker on small engines and cars. His favorite past time was camping. He was a member of the Delong Fire Department and was a trustee for the Orange township for many years. Most of all, LeRoy enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching them life skills.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Haynes Cemetery, rural Delong. Pastor Mary Runge will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with his wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
