LeeRoy attended Altus schools where he was especially well known as quarterback and running back on the football field, leading the Bulldogs to two Conference titles. He was recruited by several university football programs and chose Oklahoma University, where, because of his running ability on the field, he was nicknamed “crazy legs.”
Life became more serious after Pearl Harbor and World War II. LeeRoy and Anna Rutherford married and would have one daughter, Janet. He was drafted and spent three years in the Marines. LeeRoy survived the battles on the many Pacific islands they secured and was present when the American flag was raised on Iwo Jima.
He returned to OU and played on the 1947 Gator Bowl team. LeeRoy played his last 2 college years with the OCU Chiefs and after graduation signed a contract with the Chicago Cardinals. After an injury, he returned to Altus and the family plumbing business, also becoming interested in farming. LeeRoy rarely missed an OU or Altus football game.
He and Lavina Fade married and together enjoyed attending and hosting the “Cousin Reunions” of the many first cousins that were special to him. LeeRoy was a fun loving individual and will be missed by his “cousin family” and his special caretakers, Imogene and Ricky Cargal.
LeeRoy loved to sing and was a member of a barbershop quartet and the United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for many years.
Survivors include several loving cousins; nieces; nephews; two very special people, Ricky and Imogene Cargal; a daughter, Janet and grandchildren.
Preceding LeeRoy in death were his parents; his wife, Lavina; two brothers, Bill and John Neher; and sister, Ruby Neher Holland.
Funeral services were set for Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Altus, with the Rev. David Player, officiating. Burial was to be in the Altus Cemetery under the direction of People's Co-operative Funeral Home of Lone Wolf.
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