Leroy Beavers Jr

On November 6, 2025, Leroy Beavers Jr. was welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord. We are confident that Heaven’s kitchen now smells a whole lot better.

Leroy was the third child born to Leroy and Emma (Rowe) Beavers in Camden, Ouachita, Arkansas, on December 17, 1933.

Immediately after high school, Leroy enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. It was during his military service that he discovered and developed his God-given gift for cooking, eventually serving as a chef. After retiring as an E-6 Technical Sergeant, he continued his culinary calling at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the Executive Chef of the Officers’ Club.

In that role-and in his later work as a consultant, Leroy traveled the world helping establish and elevate officers’ clubs across the globe. He prepared meals for heads of state, generals, dignitaries, celebrities, and was particularly honored to have served Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, as well as preparing meals during the Dayton Peace Accord negotiations senior delegation.

However, no matter who sat at his table, from presidents to hungry grandchildren, Leroy cooked with the same love, joy, and pride. Even in retirement, he continued to delight family, friends, neighbors, his parish, and anyone who showed up hungry (or even “looked like they might be thinking about being hungry”).

Leroy loved Jesus and Mary deeply and was a devout Catholic and joyful member of Immaculate Conception Church of Dayton.

He made friends easily and kept them forever. Leroy’s laughter was recognizable across a room, and he always had a smile ready. His interests were as big as his heart: country music, classic westerns, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and just about any basketball or football game involving the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Kansas City Chiefs.

Most of all, Leroy loved people, and he loved them fully and loudly. He loved Amy, Paul, Christine, Cameron, all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Paul’s friends, Amy’s friends, and the entire Filipino community (and they loved him right back).

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and several children and grandchildren whom we trust are now joyfully reunited with him in Christ.

He leaves behind his loving wife Amy Beavers, his children and their spouses: Paul and Christine Creighton; Valerie and Greg Johnson (deceased); Tracy Fields and Ray Chaney; Gregory Beavers; Carla and Jimmy Brooks (deceased); along with grandchildren Cameron Creighton; Leisha Cuffee; Derrick and Raymund Chaney; Terrance, Tyrel, and Tyree Brooks, and sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, each one a cherished blessing.

Leroy’s legacy is one of faith, humility, service, joy, food, and unconditional love. If you ever sat at his table, you knew you mattered-and you left full.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church (2300 S Smithville Rd, Dayton). A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00am.

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