Merle R. "Bud" LeRoy

Merle R. "Bud" LeRoy, 86, of Windover Ave. Ellwood City (North Sewickley Twp.) died peacefully on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Allegheny General Hospital following a four day illness.

A lifelong resident of Ellwood City, he was born September 18, 1925 to the late Amey and Blanche Toward LeRoy.

He was married on August 12, 1955 to Mary Jane Tritt LeRoy, who survives.

Bud had formerly worked at the B & W, Rexnord and the Herman Corp. He was a member of the First Church of God, Mercer Rd. A Veteran of WWII, he was a paratrooper with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment serving in Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Battle of the Bulge. He also served with the 101st, 82nd, and 17th Airborne Divisions. He received 3 purple hearts, 3 bronze stars and a bronze arrowhead for his service to his country. Bud enjoyed wildlife, animals, camping and bluegrass music. A kind and generous friend to all, he enjoyed attending flea markets and the Rogers Sale to shop for his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Mary Jane, he is survived by 2 sons - Brad LeRoy, Curt (Connie) LeRoy; 2 daughters - Lana (Bill) Boyer, Amy LeRoy (Wade Eidenmiller); 7 grandchildren - Ryan, Jessica and Casey Boyer, Rachel, Luke and Amanda LeRoy, and Rachelle Eidenmiller, all of the Ellwood City area; and a brother - John (Jackie) LeRoy of Martinsville, VA.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday December 13, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 11:00 am with his pastor, Phil Conklin officiating.

Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by the Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God or the City Rescue Mission.