LeRoy Archie Barnhart Jr.

LeRoy Archie Barnhart Jr. entered into rest on Friday August 16, 2024, at the age of 83. Beloved husband of wife Margaret Barnhart, nee Waller, for 61 years; devoted father of Elizabeth (Luis) Zapata and LeRoy (Melissa) Barnhart III; cherished grandfather of John Zapata, Henry Zapata, Adrian Zapata, Madeline Barnhart, Elizabeth Barnhart, and Benjamin Barnhart; dear brother of the late Sally Ann Beckman; and dear friend to many.

LeRoy was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, to parents the late LeRoy Sr. and the late Pearl, nee Hill, Barnhart on a chilly January day in 1941. 20 years later in 1961, LeRoy met his future wife, Margaret, at MacMurray College. After graduation in 1962, the two married at Christmas. LeRoy would go on to work for International Harvester Company for 10 years before opening his own dealership in Decatur, Illinois. LeRoy also worked for Mack Trucks, Inc. for 15 years in management and went on to rise through the ranks and became president of Mack Canada. However, as LeRoy excelled in his career, his wife and children took priority in his life. He loved creating holiday meals and sharing his love for his family through homecooked meals. In his free time, LeRoy enjoyed traveling the United States and Canada. He visited practically every state and most national parks - first in his trusty International Harvester Yellow Travelall, and then in his Yukon Suburban.

In his retirement, LeRoy was able to enjoy more of his favored quiet-yet-active hobbies. He was an avid walker in the South County Parks and went on daily walks for years in West County Mall. LeRoy loved flowers and roses, and enjoyed taking care of his garden. He took pride in his beautiful view of the Mississippi River from the bluff and how his well-kept yard reflected his hard work. LeRoy's skill in his garden especially shone in his elaborate Holiday Yard Scenes which culminated with a large fall scene, including his homemade "Wizard of Oz" yellow brick road to heaven. However, one of LeRoy's most notable titles of accomplishment includes that of being a proud cancer warrior for 23 incredible years, fighting and winning many major battles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to American Cancer Society, in honor of LeRoy and his fighting spirit.

LeRoy Jr.'s memorial visitation will be held on Saturday September 7, 2024, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ from 9:30 a.m. until his memorial service at 10:30 a.m.