Leroy Bernard Stockman, 78, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 21, 1929, in Wardsville, Missouri, a son of the late Roy C. and Rose Catherine (Markway) Stockman. He attended St. Stanislaus Grade School in Wardsville. On June 25, 1955, Leroy was united in marriage in St. Thomas, Missouri, to Dolores Christine Schaefer, who survives at their home. Leroy worked for Willard Stockman Construction Company from 1953 - 1978, and with J.C. Industries from 1978 - 1993. He was the first pre-cast designer of Mid-America Pre-Cast. He built many homes, commercial buildings, highways and bridges in the Jefferson City area. He was an atomic veteran of the United States Army, participating in the atomic testing in Desert Rock, Nevada, and served in the 101st Airborne in the Korean War from 1951 - 1953. Leroy was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was also a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693; and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans - Oliver Buehrle Chapter 17. Leroy enjoyed playing golf and horseshoes, and was a master craftsman. He always had a joke and a story to tell and provided comic relief, even in the most serious situations. Leroy took the most pride in his family, especially his grandchildren and his great-grandson. He is also survived by eight children, Dr. Rebecca Lueckenhoff (husband Richard), Christine Stokes (husband Mark), Mitchell Stockman (wife Terry), Brian Stockman (wife Cathy), Jeffrey Stockman (wife Karmen), all of Jefferson City, Lori Morris (husband Warren) of Montreal, Mo., William Stockman (wife Danelle), and Heather Schrimpf (husband Ryan), all of Jefferson City; three brothers, Willard Stockman (wife Gerri), Fred Stockman (wife Kay), and Francis Stockman (wife Shirley); three sisters, Ida Mae Mertens (husband C.T. "Bud"), Catherine Mertens, and Alice DeWesplore (husband J.B.); a sister-in-law, Wanda Stockman; 18 grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dave Stockman; infant brother, Cletus Stockman; and a brother-in-law, Roger Mertens. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2008, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. Pat Dolan officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in the St. Thomas Cemetery in St. Thomas, Missouri. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Immaculate Conception School. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; 636-3838. millardfamilychapels.com

Published in the NewsTribune from 5/9/2008 - 5/11/2008.