Harold LeRoy Young

Harold LeRoy Young was born March 9, 1927, in Gates, Neb., and departed this life on Feb. 19, 2013, at the Highland Health Care Center, Bella Vista, Ark., at the age of 85 years. After graduating from Callaway High School in 1945, LeRoy was drafted into the Army. Upon discharge, the GI Bill of Rights offered the opportunity to learn a trade, so LeRoy became a butter maker and worked at the Callaway Co-op Creamery for 25 years, later becoming manager. He won third place in a butter-tasting competition at the state milk and cream convention in Lincoln, Neb. He owned and operated the Callaway Laundromat, Young's Cafe, was an interior and exterior painter, and an employee of Callaway District Hospital in maintenance until his retirement. While living in Callaway, he was a member of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, Broken Bow Elks, Callaway Golf Club, Callaway Village Board and American Legion Post 59 for 61 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, transferring his membership to the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista. Pat and LeRoy enjoyed vacationing in Bella Vista, Ark., during the spring and fall until they finally moved to "paradise" (as LeRoy liked to call it) in 1989. LeRoy was an avid golfer and made many good friends on the golf course. He made his first hole-in-one Nov. 19, 1997. While playing golf with the Lakers, he was voted to receive the coveted Dale Crawford Award for being a good friend and golfing companion. Other hobbies included fishing, gardening, watching sports on television, especially the Huskers, playing cards and board games, and woodcarving, which he enjoyed giving to his friends and family. Pat and LeRoy always enjoyed entertaining guests in their home. LeRoy enjoyed his neighbors who called him "The Mayor" and his family was his pride and joy. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Young; his stepfather, John Beshaler; and mother, Reita. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Lucinda (Charlie) Jorgenson of Callaway, Ted (Julie) Young of North Platte and Douglas (Marie) Young of Mullen, Neb.; nine grandchildren, Shanna Bombeck of Shelton, Patrick (Melissa) Jorgenson of Callaway, Justin (Karen-Marie) Young of Lincoln, Kenton (Sally) Young of Little Rock, Ark., Shane, Travis and Tricia Young of Kearney, Daniel Young of Mullen, and step-grandson, Travis Eastwood of Callaway, Neb.; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Young of Greeley, Colo., Keith (Jackie) Young of Callaway; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Waldron of Lincoln; cousin, Viola Mason of Broken Bow, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family will celebrate his life on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. Graveside services will be held in Callaway, Neb., at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to charities or organizations of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.