Leroy William Pelzel

Our dearest LeRoy passed away during the evening hours of Sunday March 8, 2015, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio surrounded by his loving family. LeRoy enjoyed 89 fulfilling years serving God, his family, his country and his community. LeRoy, the eldest of four children, was born in Westphalia, Texas on February 4, 1926 to Louis and Mary (Moeller) Pelzel. The family soon moved to Rowena where LeRoy later met the love of his life, Elaine Lange.
After graduating from St. Joseph’s High School in Rowena, LeRoy enlisted in the Army which took him to Brazil, South America. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged and returned home to marry Elaine on August 27, 1947. They began their married life together on a small farm in Miles. Through 67 years of joyful marriage, their family grew from five children, Janet, Pat, Richard, Ruth and Curtis, to include thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
LeRoy contributed to the music liturgy at both St. Joseph and St. Thomas Catholic Churches. He was a member of VFW Post 9196 and the American Legion. LeRoy was involved in the Knights of Columbus for over 65 years and a charter member of Council 6811 of St. Thomas in Miles. He was later a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member.
LeRoy also enjoyed over 50 years with the Miles Young Farmers and received the Associate Farmer Award and the Outstanding Associate Member Award at the state level. He was also the recipient of other awards to include: Runnels County Conservation Farmer Award, Resident Conservation Farmer Runner-Up Region II, and Goodyear Conservation Award for Runnels County.
LeRoy was a Director of the Miles Coop Gin and member of the Miles I.S.D. School Board, serving as President of both organizations. He initiated the idea of implementing the National Honor Society at Miles High School. LeRoy was active in the Runnels County Farm Bureau for over 60 years, serving as Director and President, and was the recipient of the Farm Bureau Pioneer Award. He and Elaine attended numerous State Farm Bureau Conventions and cherished the lifelong friendships they made. In addition to these travels, the two also enjoyed summer vacations with the kids, taking trips with their siblings, and would rarely miss an out-of-town family reunion.
LeRoy, along with his father and brothers, formed The Pelzel String Band and enjoyed sharing their polka and country western music by playing for wedding dances in Wall, Rowena and Olfen. Once the band retired, LeRoy continued sharing his love of music with local organizations and events such as the Miles Cotton Festival. It also became a tradition for “Grandpa” to play his accordion at family Christmas gatherings.
Being a Veteran, LeRoy was selected to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. via the recent Permian Basin Honor Flight in September 2014.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Michaela Pelzel, in-laws Iola Pelzel, Clifton Braden, Harvey Gully, Edna and Lester Schaefer, Hilmer Schaefer, and David Lange.
Surviving LeRoy is his beloved wife Elaine, daughter Janet Braden and husband Charles of St. Lawrence, son Pat Pelzel and wife Rose of St. Lawrence, son Richard Pelzel and wife Gaye of Miles, daughter Ruth Wilde and husband Don of Wall, and son Curtis Pelzel and wife Connie of Miles.
Also surviving are siblings Lawrence Pelzel, Gladys Braden, and Louis Pelzel Jr. and wife Diana, all of San Angelo, in-laws Bernice Gully of San Angelo, MaeDell Schaefer, Andrew and Helen Lange, and Pat Lange, all of Rowena.
Grandsons Chris and Duane Braden, Brian and Jody Pelzel, Logan Pelzel, and Dee Jay Wilde will serve as Pallbearers.
Granddaughters Paula Pepper, Bonnie Stovall, Julie Grohman, Lacy Bailey, Joslynn Wilde, and Nicole Pelzel will carry the gifts during the burial mass.
LeRoy also leaves behind many special friends including his workout buddies at San Angelo Community Health Club, the coffee group at the Miles Coop Gin, and his delightful pet dog “Lady”.
Rosary will be recited Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla officiating and Fr. Tom Barley delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the St. Thomas Building Fund, Box 306, Miles, TX 76861, St. Joseph Building Fund, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are with Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, TX. Guests may register online at ballingerfuneralhome.com.