Leroy Whitesell

Leroy Whitesell, 95, of Ellsinore, MO, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, in Poplar Bluff.

Leroy was born on August 14, 1930, to Grover "Clayton" and Nettie (Fudge) Whitesell in St. Louis, Missouri.

Leroy was a member of the United States Navy. He completed airman school and became an Aviation Mechanist during his time in the service. He worked for several commercial airlines before becoming an instructor in Malden, Missouri. Leroy was a union leader for Teamsters Airline Division and traveled across the country to advocate and protest for airline mechanics. After nearly 60 years in the aviation business, he retired and took on the full-time role of very proud grandpa. Leroy loved gardening, going to the sale barn, and spending time with his “little dog” Sam. He loved listening to and traveling around to see the local band, Buzzard Run. Leroy loved his family dearly and they were the greatest joy in his life.

Leroy is survived by his son, Rick (Lori) Whitesell; two granddaughters, Angela (Chad) Kearbey and Laura Eudaley; six great grandchildren, Andrea (Zach) Griffin, Tori Kearbey, Addie Mae Kearbey, Cassie Sieben, Jenifer and Jayla Eudaley; seven great great grandchildren, Derek, Morgan, Mylee, Lexi, Kenzie, Blake, and Aubree; daughter-in-law, Beth Whitesell; son-in-law, Donnie Gowen; canine companion, Sam.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Nettie; two brothers, Eugene and Fred Whitesell; one son, Michael Whitesell; one daughter, Brenda Gowen; great-grandson, Derek Sieben.

A brief service with military honors will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 4:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. He will be buried at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Leroy Whitesell. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.