LeRoy Floyd King

“Anything is possible.” That is what LeRoy Floyd King believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. LeRoy thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. LeRoy was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

LeRoy was born on July 31, 1932 in Nowata, Oklahoma. His parents were Clarence George King and Myrtle May King (Gowns). LeRoy was raised in Oklahoma until age 14, then came and stayed in California. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, LeRoy could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on LeRoy's family relationships. LeRoy was raised with ten siblings. He had five brothers, Harold (deceased), George, Henry (deceased), Jimmy (deceased) and RC (deceased), and five sisters, Opal (deceased), Velma (deceased), Bessie (deceased), Virginia (deceased) and Loueva. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, LeRoy was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

On December 24, 1953 LeRoy exchanged wedding vows with Elizabeth Louise Higuera - Moro at the Courthouse in downtown San Jose, California. LeRoy was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. LeRoy was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. LeRoy was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Elizabeth. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that LeRoy loved to argue for argument’s sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Elizabeth's.

LeRoy's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. LeRoy had four children, two daughters, Kathleen Ann (Kandy) and Pamela, one son, Lawrence, and one step-son, Michael Moro (deceased). He was blessed with three grandchildren, Christopher, Tiffany, and Lauren. LeRoy was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Samantha and Gabrielle. Someone who was quick to laugh, LeRoy found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

As a born inventor, LeRoy was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. LeRoy was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. LeRoy was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was as an iron worker. He was employed and fenced for San Jose Steel and King Fence Co. for more than 40 years. LeRoy always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

LeRoy's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since LeRoy was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that LeRoy simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were fishing, gardening, camping, and hanging out with his grandchildren.

LeRoy's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. LeRoy was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football.

LeRoy's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. LeRoy could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing his novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout his later years, LeRoy was very proud of being a member of AA for 15 years.

With all of his talents, his ingenuity, his solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that LeRoy received public recognition for his competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, LeRoy accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included earning the awesome Grandpa award from his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued LeRoy. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for LeRoy to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included camping and Disneyland.

LeRoy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of LeRoy's favorites was Nosie, the Cow. They were best friends for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his many farm animals that he either brought home or cared for on the farm.

LeRoy passed away on June 28, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. He fought a brave battle against asthma, COPD, emphysema, dementia, and Alzheimers. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his children Lawrence, Kandy, and Pamela; his son-in-law Tim; his daughter-in-law Carol; his grandchildren Christopher, Tiffany, and Lauren; his great grandchildren Samantha and Gabrielle; his brother George (Jimmie); his sister Loueva (Bob); and his many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. LeRoy was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to LeRoy. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. LeRoy was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For LeRoy, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For LeRoy Floyd King, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.