John Leroy Meredith was born June 17, 1941, in rural Henry County, MO. and departed this life on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Ash Grove Health Care Facility. He was born to Roy Bernard Meredith and Neoma Ruth (Garrison) Meredith at home in rural Henry County, MO. He was the oldest child and was later joined by his brother, Lynn and sister, Bernita. He began school in a rural one room school in Henry County and graduated from Montrose High School in 1958. After graduation, he began farming with his Granddad, Lee Meredith.
Leroy and Linda Jane Michel were married at the Michel home on January 8, 1961. This union was blessed with four children: Diane, James, Marvin and Michael.
Leroy farmed until he and Jane retired and moved to Bolivar in December 2003. In February 2004, he began driving a school bus for Rains and Martin. In his words, “This was a job I loved!” He also was a volunteer with the CMH Auxiliary, where he made many friends and enjoyed visiting.
He was saved and baptized at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in rural Deepwater, MO where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School for several years. After moving to Bolivar, he transferred his membership to Eudora Baptist Church where he attended as long as his health permitted.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lynn Meredith and great-granddaughter, Milli.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Jane, of the home and children; Diane and Jerry Walker (Bolivar), James and Karla Meredith (Appleton City), Marvin and Linda Meredith (Bolivar) and Michael Meredith (Clinton). He is also survived by his sister; Bernita Miller (Windsor); 7 grandchildren; Eric, Ryan, Kalen, Kenda, Sarah, Rachael and Jacob; 9 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. with services following at 11:00 A.M. at Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Bolivar. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family requests donations be made to the CMH Auxiliary or charity of the donor’s choice.
