Leroy W Dial

Leroy William Dial, 86, of Fithian, Illinois passed away of natural causes on January 30, 2026. He led a tremendous life beginning December 9, 1939 in Decatur, Illinois, where he was born and raised. He proudly served our country in the Army and Army Reserve of Alaska receiving a good conduct medal, an expert badge in rifle and two letters of appreciation throughout his service from 1963 to 1969.
His pursuits in life from then on were many, he became a "jack of all trades" and ultimately a master of drywall finishing, even passing down the trade to Cubs all across the country. He was always tinkering on various projects among carpentry, furniture, repairs, and drywall. It would be very difficult to find any one of his friends and family who haven't had something in their home done by him. He truly was a master craftsman.
He was savvy at darts and pool, the yo-yo and harmonica, and loved a myriad of animals he raised over the years, including sugargliders, dogs, and cockatiels, one of which even hatched from an egg in his Aviary. The hatchling, named peaches bonded to him instantly, and they were inseparable.
Leroy leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years Barbara K Dial. He is survived by his daughter, Dori Dial Stone, his son, Barry Dial, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, all of Jacksonville, Florida. Nephews Ed and Ross Gensler, both of Salem, Del Wimberly of Patoka, Martin Wimberly of Odin, Tim Wimberly of Centralia, Il. Nieces are Brenda Gensler Howe of Michigan, Diane Gensler Buchholz of Centralia and Martina Wimberly of Salem.
He's also survived by stepdaughter Michealle Woolery of Colorado, stepson, Mike Koester of Savoy, stepson, Richard Koester of Champagne, four grandkids and two great grandkids.
He has proceeded in death by his parents, William Frederick Dial, and Juanita Gensler Dial, sister, Maxine Dial Wimberly, brother Dean R Gensler and a step grandson Nathaniel Gene Arnold of Indiana.
Celebration of life, pending around spring or summer. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial donations to help offset cost. There is a GoFundMe account set up on Facebook or mail directly to Barbara Dial, P.O. Box 142, Fithian, IL 61844.
Leroy will be missed immensely, and loved not only by me, but by many.