Bud was a devoted husband to his wife, Judith J. McLeroy, and father to his son Stephen O. McLeroy (Kathy) and daughter Heather E. Noon (David). He shared a close bond with Susan Sisto (Michael) and Jim Schorie (Amber). Bud was the proud grandfather of Shane, Shannon, Holly, Kaitlyn, Lindsey, Victoria, Sarah, Dustin, Trevor, and Brooke. He is survived by his brother Robert McLeroy (Ruth), numerous relatives, and good friends. Bud was also lovingly cared for this past year by his caregivers. He was preceded in death by his parents Sollie McLeroy Sr. and Berniece McLeroy, and his brother Ronald McLeroy (Carolyn).
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Bud attended Paseo High School and the University of Kansas where he played football for the Jayhawks and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. Bud was an entrepreneur at heart. He and his brothers operated the family business McLeroy Oil Co; with Ed Moody, they founded Gomers Fine Wine & Spirits and Gomers Fried Chicken—businesses that became beloved staples in the community. Bud proudly served in the United States Army.
A man of many pastimes, Bud was an avid outdoorsman whose main passions were quail hunting and fishing all around the world. He cherished winters in Naples, Florida, and enjoyed playing cards with friends. He was deeply committed to service and fellowship as a longstanding member of the Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge, Ararat Shrine, and the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 54. Bud was also a member of the Church of the Resurrection.
Bud’s legacy is one of hard work - his motto was ‘“We work hard, then we play hard”. He was dedicated to his friends and had a love for life’s simple joys. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at Church of the Resurrection in the Wesley Chapel on Thursday, December 19th at 2:00 pm. Graveside service will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery South on Friday, December 20th at 11:00 am.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either the Church of the Resurrection Music Fund and/or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.