Bob LeRoy died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, slipping from this world to the next. Bobby was born at his family farmhouse west of Great Bend on Dec. 14, 1931. He was the fourth child of Harry and Ruby (Travis) LeRoy with three older sisters: Dorothy, Mildred and Lois.

Bob attended country school through 8th grade, graduated from Great Bend High School in 1949, and attended Kansas State University before joining the Navy in 1952.

Bob married LouAnn Farmer at the Congregational Church on June 28, 1953, a beautiful afternoon preceded by a rainy morning. Their love story continued for 72 years! Following their wedding, they moved to Pensacola where Bob was stationed. After Bob’s Navy duty, they moved to the family farm where Bob started his farming career working with his dad. He has a passion for farming – continuing his career well into his 80s – and passed that love on to his two sons.

Bob was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ. He was active in the community as a volunteer and serving on many boards including as chairman for the Great Bend Coop, Barton County Extension Board, Barton County Farm Bureau, Kansas Farm Management, and Golden Belt Pork Producers, and the board of directors for American State Bank to name a few. Bob was also a member of American Legion Post #180 and the Elks.

Bob was an avid and skilled card player, enjoying bridge, pitch, spades and more. He had a habit of pulling out a card and waiting... he knew before you knew what card you were going to play. He truly loved playing cards with family and friends! In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting trips and playing many sports like softball and volleyball. Bob and LouAnn enjoyed dancing, and watching and attending sports events, including Great Bend High School games, Barton Cougar basketball and K-State sports. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bob enjoyed life, had a great sense of humor with a good measure of orneriness thrown in. He will be remembered for demonstrating love in action. Choosing to spend his time helping others without expecting recognition was an easy choice for Bob. He exhibited one of the rarest forms of love: a servant’s heart.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years; son, David and Leslie LeRoy of Great Bend; two daughters, Kathy and Keith Riggs of Great Bend and Susan LeRoy and Dave Spellman of Tulsa, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Mary Keil-LeRoy of Great Bend; grandchildren, Katie and Matt Sloan, Eric Riggs, Amber Riggs, Bonnie LeRoy, Mark and Misty Straub, Sheila Watkins, Lance and Marla Spellman, Dustin and Kim Spellman, and Todd and Laurie Spellman; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Brice, Hudson, Kaylina, Makenna, Makeila, Lachlan, Brock, Taylor, Lauren, Claire, Ryleigh, and Harper; sister, Lois Marshall of Great Bend; brother-in-law, Dick and Sue Farmer of Liberal; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by son, Daniel “Danny” LeRoy; his parents; sisters, Dorothy and Ralph Essmiller, and Mildred and Bob Harders; and brother-in-law, Charles Marshall.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, with Pastor Mike Munz presiding. A private inurnment will take place prior to the service. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, from noon to 8 p.m., with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to First Congregational United Church of Christ or Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. The family would like to extend a thank you for the kindness and care that Bob received from Country Living of Larned and Gentiva Hospice. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 7, 2025