LeRoy Allen Muirhead

LeRoy Allen Muirhead

Jan. 5, 1930 - July 14, 2012

ALMA, Nebraska -- LeRoy Allen Muirhead passed away at his home in Alma, Nebraska, peacefully in his sleep with family around him on July 14, 2012. He was born Jan. 5, 1930, the first child of Maurice and Clarise (Thiesen) Muirhead, in Decatur County, Kansas, during the Great Depression and dust storms.

At age six, a little sister, Leone, made her appearance in the family. Some years later, two sisters and a brother were born, Leola, LeAnn and LeRay.

Woodworking was his love and was something he did a wonderful job of. This passion started when he was in 4th grade and his teacher, Jim Plotts, made a dresser.

LeRoy graduated from Decatur Community High School in Oberlin, Kansas, in 1948. Later in 1951, he was drafted into the United States Marines and sent to San Diego, California. In just a few weeks, LeRoy was given a medical discharge.

His first carpentry job was with Dale Young Construction in Oberlin. During his years with them, LeRoy helped with all construction but was also the finish carpenter. He built all of the cabinets in new and remodeled homes.

On Feb. 14, 1953, LeRoy married Shirley Ufford. Two sons and a daughter were born to their union.

In 1966, after he was physically unable to continue construction, LeRoy started working for the Kansas-Nebraska Gas Company. In 1973 they asked him to go to Holdredge, Nebraska, as the Division Serviceman, a job he held until his retirement in 1992.

LeRoy and Shirley continued to make trophy parts for Custom Trophy and craft items for craft stores, as well as many pieces of furniture for individuals. He worked wood lovingly until his health no longer allowed. His shop, tools and what he had made were his main hobby and interests.

After retirement he and Shirley became snowbirds and spent winters in Arizona and Texas. Health became an issue here, too, closing this chapter of his life.

LeRoy, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, will be truly missed and our memories of him cherished.

Survivors include his wife Shirley; three children, Kip and Jun Muirhead, of Bayard, Nebraska, Allen Muirhead, of Alma, and Kim and Ronald Miller, of New Market, Virginia; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Leone and Ben Spiers, of Winterset, Iowa, Leola and Gary Zodrow, of Oberlin, and LeAnn and Dennis Krey, of Elk River, Minnesora; nine grandchildren: Rita, Heather, Sally, Angie, Misty, Brent, Katie, Abby and Mandy; and nine great-grandchildren: Zeb, Sarah, Bethany, David, Addison, Claire, Kelly, Banin and Mustafa; brother-in-law, Calvin Ufford, of Oberlin; several nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, LeRay Muirhead; a grandson, Michael Muirhead; two great-grandchildren, Zac and Jesse; in-laws, Herb and Bertha Ufford; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Ufford.

Graveside services were today July 16, 10 a.m. at the Oberlin Cemetery with Pastor Curt Pfiel, officiant.

Memorials may be given to the LeRoy Muirhead Memorial Fund.

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.