LeRoy Kenneth Messenger

May 31, 1948 – July 9, 2025

LeRoy Messenger was born May 31, 1948 in Pisgah, Iowa, the second of four sons born to Dale E and Donna M (Cooper) Messenger.

LeRoy was involved in music his entire life and often said “music is my scripture”. He was a member of the Clarinda, Iowa high school concert and marching bands, mixed choir and men’s glee club. He sang in church choirs his entire life and was a member of a men’s quartet for 25 years.

On June 9, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Sheryl Lawson. They immediately moved to Iowa City, Iowa so LeRoy could finish his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Iowa. He received his BBA and MA in accounting from Iowa. He never stopped being a Hawkeye, wearing Black and Gold whenever possible.

LeRoy and Sheryl moved to the Chicago area where his career included public accounting, bond underwriting, corporate real estate management and not for profit dealing with homeless. He served on the board of Bethany Methodist Home and Hospital. He also served on the finance committee and board at Alexian Brothers Medical Center, where he also served as the Chairman of the Board. LeRoy and Sheryl lived the Chicago for 46 years where they were both active in Prince of Peace UMC in Elk Grove Village. Elk Grove Village is where they raised three sons and made a loving home. In 2017, LeRoy and Sheryl retired to Arizona. He enjoyed photography, the desert and traveling.

LeRoy passed away on July 9, 2025 after a year long battle with Glioblastoma. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl of 57 years, his sons, David (Colleen), Michael (Kristina) and Matthew (Margaret). He loved and was loved by nine grandchildren, Tyler Messenger (Josey), Jacob Messenger (Becca), Paige, Ainsley, Camden, Ellie, Maxton, Monroe and Hayden Messenger. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard, Keith (Peanut) and Doug (Dee), sisters-in-law Julia Lawson Graham (John) and Becky Lawson Brownlee Comer (Al), 4 nephews and 1 niece, an aunt, uncle and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, father-in-law and brother-in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at New Song United Methodist Church in Surprise Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

New Song United Methodist Church, Surprise, Arizona

Barrow Brain and Spine Foundation

Hospice of the Valley