Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Leroy Thomas Obituary
Born: Dec. 29, 1943; in Joliet, IL
Died: Aug. 22, 2014; in Las Vegas, NV
Leroy Thomas, age 70, lost his battle to cancer and passed away on August 22, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leroy was born in Joliet, Illinois on December 29, 1943. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas and Frances Hubert; and brother, William Thomas (Phyllis).
Leroy is survived by his wife, Patricia (Kozak). They were married in December 28, 1970, in Lockport, Illinois; three daughters, Jane March (Daniel), Laurie Lenhart, Mary Jo Van Thyne (Craig) who live in California; one brother, James Thomas (Barbara); step-sister, Rosemary Stromberg (Robert); and step-brother, Robert Hubert (Cheryl); two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Zeller (James) and Carol Bolton (Harvey); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leroy attended Chaney Grade School and Lockport Township High School in Illinois. In 1972, he moved his family to Anaheim, California, and then to Yorba Linda, California. Leroy began work as a bricklayer. The family enjoyed living in Southern California, where he began his first business, Powa- Rooter Sewer and Drain Service. In 1975, he established Empire Pipe Cleaning & Equipment, Inc., which is still in existence today.
Leroy and Patricia enjoyed spending time and attending activities with their four grandchildren: Veronica Lenhart, Mathew Lenhart, Natalie Van Thyne and Eric Van Thyne. Leroy always made sure that the holidays were a special time to spend with the family.
Leroy and Patricia enjoyed their retirement and traveled the country in their RV. They explored North America for 5 years and eventually settled in Las Vegas. Leroy always had a passion for classic and sports cars and over the years had a collection of his favorites. He won many awards showing his collection at car shows. He loved auto racing and Patricia and Leroy attended numerous NASCAR and NHRA events across the country. They invited family and friends and everyone would always have a great time. They found great friendships from the people they met at those events. Leroy enjoyed watching sports with his friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nathan Adelson Hospice, 4131 Swenson Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119- 6718, in appreciation of the outstanding care they provided to Leroy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2014, in Yorba Linda, CA. If you wish to post pictures or leave memories, please go to, www.palmmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leroy Thomas
4 Entries
Tom Lenhart
November 11, 2014
Just found this (Nov 11th 2014):
Leroy thank you for all you have done for me and my family. See you on the other side.
Love You,
Tom & Alexis Lenhart
Lou Gibbons
September 12, 2014
I knew Leroy and Billy in Joliet, Ill. back in the 60's when we were young and carefree.
Whenever you met Leroy you were glad you did. His engaging smile and," hey, Lou, how the hell are you " captured you immediately.
I'm not surprised to read that Leroy had a happy, successful life. He deserved it. He was that kind of guy. I must add that Billy and Leroy were much the same.
I haven't seen Leroy or Billy for 48 years but remember them so fondly. It was a long time ago in years but in memory, not so much.
September 11, 2014
Our sincere sympathies, we fondly remember not only Leroy but Fran from the early days in Chaney. May you and your family remember all of the good times you had together
Sincerely,
Bud and Rosie Boyer
Pahrump, NV
Fred Clayton
September 5, 2014
Rosemary please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your brother Tom, GOD bless your whole family.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Leroy Thomas's name
Memorial Events
for Leroy Thomas
How to support Leroy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Leroy Thomas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
