LeeRoy S. LaRose, 85, of Robinson, IL, died at 10:56 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Crawford Memorial Hospital, Robinson. He was born June 30, 1921 in North Dupo, IL, the son of Sylvester LaRose and Mary Ethel Keel.
He retired from Marathon in 1979 as a transport driver. In 1989 he was inducted into EIU Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Robinson American Legion Post #69, a life-time member of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, Robinson Moose Lodge, Oak Glen Golf Course, EUI Sportsman Club, Robinson Otterbein United Methodist Church, attended Kum-Joy-Nus Sunday School class, and was a life-time member of the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188. From 1949-1951 he taught Physical Education, History and was the basketball coach at the Palestine Grade School. He served in the 434Th. Bomber Squad in the Army Air Force during WWII, serving in the Middle East and the European Theaters.
He married Juanita "Willie" Williams August 23, 1947 and she survives. He is also survived by 2 sons, Rick LaRose, Atlanta, GA and Randy LaRose, Denver, CO; 1 brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Phyllis LaRose, Ramsey, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2006 at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson with Rev. David Ducommon, Rev. Bill L. Wiggs, Jr. and Rev. Michael Laflin officiating. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14th at the funeral home. Military graveside services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson American Legion Post #69, Flat Rock American Legion Post #132, Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, and Palestine AmVets Post #33. Memorials may be made to either the Elks Lodge #1188 Easter Bunny Fund or to the Otterbein United Methodist Church with envelopes available at the funeral home.