LeRoy Veach

LeRoy Veach, formerly of Bowen, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Quincy.  He was ninety-nine years old.

LeRoy was born December 18, 1921, in Chili, Illinois, the son of Harve and Hersie Ellen (Akers) Veach.  He attended Bowen High School graduating in 1941.  LeRoy served in the US Navy during WWII, from 1942 until his Honorable Discharge in 1946.  On June 27, 1949, he was united in marriage to Wilma Schoch in Bowen.  She preceded him in death in 2013. Lee and Wilma were married for 63 years.

LeRoy worked as a Correctional Officer at the Iowa State Penitentiary and retired in 1984.  He was a member of the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, the Denver Masonic Lodge #464, the Quincy Consistory 32 Degree Mason, and the Bowen American Legion.  LeRoy coached Little League and Pony League baseball for many years and was a lifelong Cubs fan.

LeRoy served forty-two months in the Navy in WWII on the USS Santa Fe in the Pacific Theatre of Operations.  He was awarded a number of medals and ribbons during his years of service.  These included the Asiatic Ribbon and thirteen battle stars.  Stars were awarded for the Philippine Liberation, WWII Victory Medal, and the American Area Unit Commendation.  Le was privileged to be present at the signing of the Peace Treaty at Tokyo Bay, with General MacArthur present.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wilma, son David, and grandson Richard Barber III.  Also, brothers Carl and Dale Veach and sisters Midge Veach and Betty Buzzard.  LeRoy is survived by three children, Danny (Holly Califf) Veach, Cyndi (Tom) Bigham, Susan Veach, and daughter-in-law, Susan Kirbach Veach.  Grandchildren, Joel (Jenni) Veach, Jenna (Joey) Eslick, Carly (Jesse Gallagher) Bigham, and Aubrey Nelson.  Step-grandchildren, Wesley Hudson and William Bigham and many great grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes LeRoy was cremated. A memorial service will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 14, 2021, with burial to follow in the Bowen Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 until time of services at 10:30. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Quincy, Illinois, in care of Danny Veach, 700 Wendell, Golden, Illinois. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of the arrangements.

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