LeRoy Deward VanCleave, 83, of Mayview, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Oak Pointe of Kearney in Kearney, Missouri.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to V.F.W. Post 5675 in Odessa, Missouri. Memories of LeRoy and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO 64076, 816-633-5524.

LeRoy was born on November 2, 1942, in Winnebago, Nebraska, to Deward Orville and Elizabeth Rosetta (Hankins) VanCleave. He graduated from high school in Waterbury, Nebraska. On June 21, 2002, LeRoy was united in marriage to Doris Westmoreland. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2022.

LeRoy proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. Following his service, he worked as a mechanic and later retired from Speedco Truck Lube & Tires in Oak Grove, Missouri. He was a member of Odessa V.F.W. Post 5675 and the American Legion.

LeRoy cherished time spent with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed fishing and the simple pleasures of life.

He is survived by his son, J.R. VanCleave of California; two grandchildren; three sisters, Joyce Norris of Mesa, Arizona, Lelah Bacca of Lancaster, California, and Betty (Charles) White of Haysville, Kansas; one brother, Edward (Toni) VanCleave of North Sioux City, South Dakota; a brothers-in-law, Norman (Karla) Westmoreland of Kearney, Missouri and Donald (Valerie) Westmoreland of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, LeRoy was preceded in death by a sister in infancy, Elizabeth Ann VanCleave; and two brothers, Arthur VanCleave and Milton VanCleave.