LeRoy E. Meredith, 82, of Grinnell, IA passed away on October 11, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

A private family burial will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated the Holden Research Fund (University of Iowa Health Care – Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center) or the Poweshiek County Conservation Fund mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

LeRoy was born on October 11, 1942, to Leland and Erma "Irene" (Walker) Meredith in Poweshiek County. He attended K-12 at Searsboro and graduated with the class of 1960. LeRoy liked to say that he graduated in the top 10 of his class- however, there were only 8 in his class.

On December 28, 1960, LeRoy was united in marriage to Phyllis Sanders at the Malcom Methodist Church. To this union the couple had two sons, Jason and Joel.

After graduating high school, LeRoy served in the Marines from 1960-1964. During that time, he was stationed in California and did an overseas tour. He was on what the Marines called a Floating Battalion stationed out of the Philippine Islands. He spent 6 months in Okinawa. He also spent 56 days in Udorn, Thailand. When he returned to the base in California, he was part of lining the streets as guard to President Kennedy. After his honorable discharge he had the opportunity to be a bodyguard as a Grinnell Police Officer to President Eisenhower when Eisenhower visited Grinnell.

LeRoy retired in June of 1998, from Grinnell Savings and Loan (now Lincoln State Bank.) During his time at Grinnell Savings, he held positions as office manager, treasurer, v.p., president and CEO. LeRoy was active in the IA Savings and Loan League as a director. He also served on the board of Mid West Conference of Savings and Loans.

Throughout the years he was involved in various local groups, including Jaycees, Grinnell Chamber, Grinnell Mental Health Board, Advisory Board, Lions, Kiwanis, and Town and Gown. He coached little league teams and a fast pitch team.

LeRoy was an avid hunter. In his early years he hunted rabbit and squirrel, and later, pheasant, deer, duck and turkey. He enjoyed fishing and traveling, he got his inspiration from nature. Nature gave him solace of mind. He was happiest when outside and followed the golden rule and the 10 commandments.

His greatest enjoyments were Jason and Joel, along with their choices of wives and the time he spent with his grandchildren.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Grinnell; his sons, Jason (Allison) Meredith of Johnston, IA, and Joel (Becky) Meredith of Altoona, IA; his grandchildren, Hunter, Abby, Katie and Nick; his sister Judy (Dennis) Mitchell of Grinnell, Betty Stepp of Grinnell; sisters-in-law, Marty Meredith of Grinnell, and Karol Schmidt of Grinnell; and brother-in-law, Terry Neeley of Grinnell.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jerry Meredith, and Lyle Meredith; his sisters, Donna Arment, Yody Neely, and an infant sister, Delores.