Deacon Leroy Paul Beach

Deacon Leroy Paul Beach of Millersview, Texas passed away Thursday, November 24th, 2016 , 4 hours short of his 94th birthday. He was born November 25th, 1922, to Michael and Sophie Beach in Westphalia, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorrace Beach.

After high school, he served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was assigned to Company “E” 114th Infantry, 44th Infantry Division for duty in France, Germany, and Austria. After the war, he married Dorrace Engbrock on November 20, 1946 in Cyclone, Texas. They then moved to Millersview to begin their new life in farming and ranching. Leroy and Dorrace were blessed with 11 children, two of which preceded him in death; a son Michael and a daughter Monica. His surviving children are Loretta (Ken) Burgess, Gary (Theresa) Beach, Damien (Geralyn) Beach, Theresa (Tinker) Lemke, Mary (Bubba) Adkins, Joseph (Dora) Beach, Johnny (Elaine) Beach, Patricia (Kerry) Rogers, and James (Robin) Beach. He valued all of his 28 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren and two more on the way. Much to their delight, he often treated them with goodies from his store.

He has four sisters, Elene Doskocil, Jet Kleypas, Carol Smetana, and Delores Beach along with two brothers Eugene Beach and Forest Beach. Along with his siblings, he was a great brother to Gene (Betty) Engbrock, Charles (Shirley) Engbrock, and Leonard (Sue) Engbrock.
He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. Leroy is a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he served as a Deacon for 37 years. He performed many baptisms, weddings, and other special ceremonies. He wore many hats, and much of his Christian work was done in his cowboy hat giving him the name ‘ The Cowboy Deacon’. Through his years of ministry, he taught many children about the love for Jesus, by something as simple as tracing a cross on the back of little hands – ‘so they could take Jesus everywhere they went’. And as those children matured, that cross was then traced on their forehead with the words –‘May God Bless You, in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’. His most recent blessings were shared with residents and caregivers at Royal Estates.

As a family, we express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. Steven McCloy and his nurse Julie, staff and care givers at Royal Estates, Encompass Home Health – especially Tracy and Albert, and Kindred Hospice. We have a special appreciation for his “angels” that nurtured him with their choicest care – Hope, Benie, Rachel and Michelle.
Rosary will be recited at 6pm Sunday November 27th at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Monday, November 28th also in Olfen, TX at St Boniface Catholic Church; meal following at the parish hall with graveside services at Millersview Cemetery at 2pm.

Memorials may be made to The Pregnancy Help Center, 2525 Sherwood Way San Angelo, TX 76901, or your charity of choice.

Leroy was a man of strength & character -
He was a trustworthy advisor -
He was a constant and steady inspiration –
This man’s integrity rippled through the generations, making the world a better place.

t ballingerfuneralhome.com.