LeRoy E. Blessing

LeRoy E. Blessing, 89, (formerly of Huntertown, Indiana) passed away in Howey in the Hills, Florida, on Monday, April 25, 2022. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Douglas A. Blessing and Delvia (Snyder) Blessing on April 21st. He attended Arcola Elementary & High School, ran track, and played basketball but left school at the age of 16 and joined the United States Marine Corps. He completed boot camp and was accepted into the Marine Corps on April 26, 1950. He met his future wife, Edna (Roudebush) Blessing on February 14th, 1953, in Huntington, Indiana at a Valentine’s Day dance. It was a whirlwind romance, and they were married just three months later. Their loving union continued until 2002 when Edna passed away. Through his 20 years of service to his country, he served in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. Most significant in LeRoy’s military career came in November of 1963. While serving at the Marine Barracks in Washington D.C. he was one of only eight Marines to be chosen to participate in the funeral ceremonies of our Late President, John F. Kennedy. He was placed in charge of the seating arrangements for the visiting dignitaries at St. Matthews Cathedral for the funeral mass. He was also a proud member of VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, and the Retired Officers Association. He retired from the Marine Corps on June 30, 1970, and moved back to Indiana. He started his next career at the United States Postal Service and was a supervisor in the Mail Processing facility in Fort Wayne. He and his wife also ran a newspaper route for Fort Wayne Newspapers for 10 years. In 1980 he retired from the Postal service, and they sold their home and moved to Oldsmar, Florida, Pembroke Pines, Florida and ultimately ended up in Howey in the Hills. LeRoy was also a 64-year member of the Rob Morris Chapter, No. 98 of the Order of the Eastern Star, member of the Moore Lodge No. 303 Free & Accepted Masons, the Tavares Lodge No. 234 Free & Accepted Masons, and the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of East St. Louis. LeRoy is survived by his son, Perry Blessing (Terri), daughter Kerry Yates (Bob), Grandchildren, Mallory Will (Jeff), Marcus Blessing, Robert Yates (Theresa), Ben Yates (Kristin), Audrey Taylor (Travis), Great Grandchildren, Boone & Cade Will, Brother Jim Blessing. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Blessing and brother Donald Blessing. No services will be held per LeRoy’s wishes. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.