Leroy G. McDaniels

Beloved husband, father, coach, mentor, and community leader Leroy G. McDaniels, of Springfield, IL passed away peacefully at his residence at 8:51 AM on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was born August 9, 1945 in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Mae (McDaniel) Daniels; father, Harry Flake; and brother, Jackie Daniels.

Surviving family includes his wife, Merrill (Robinson) married 59 years; son, Tim Garrison (FL); siblings Eugene Daniels, Nora Gilmer, Lorraine (Mitchell) Lathan; aunt, Roberta Rhoades; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews, cousins; proud godfather of Marci Kristoff (Oak Lawn) and Ryanne Glasper (Maryland).

Leroy was a graduate of Feitshans High School, 1964, where he served as captain of his gymnastics team and it was there that he began his life-long commitment to the sport and young people. Leroy’s impact on the Springfield community and beyond is immeasurable. For 10 years he worked for the City of Springfield, Dept of Recreation. He developed the city’s first and only tumbling team named Flip Flops.

In 1975, he and Merrill founded L&M Gymnastics which they operated for 49 years. Through this endeavor, Leroy coached countless State, National and International champions, earning him the distinguished title of “Trainer of Champions” by the State Journal Register.

Over the years he escorted gymnasts through 12 foreign countries. One included performance was at The Expo ’92 in Seville, Spain where our US Commander General designated the team as “Goodwill Ambassadors.” Additionally, L&M hosted athletes and teams from England and the Philippines as well as world-class gymnast, Kurt Thomas here in Springfield.

Also worth mentioning, Olympian Dominique Dawes joined L&M on their state fair float. This was his way of building bridges across cultures. In addition, Coach Leroy was a recurring summer coach at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and University of Illinois, Chicago for many years. He also taught physical education at Blessed Sacrament and was a liaison worker for Springfield District 186.

His dedication and leadership of the sport for youth prompted him to accept an invitation to open a second L&M gym in Pekin, IL. Against all odds and unchartered territory, tumbling was offered to the local youth. In 1998 Leroy was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame as a “Friend of Sports.” Coach Leroy will be missed by many others who lovingly claimed him as family.

Monetary donations can be sent via venmo @Merrill-McDaniels.

Leroy will be honored with a visitation at Union Baptist Church, 1405 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62703, on May 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will follow at Union Baptist Church, 1405 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62703, on May 23, 2026, beginning at 12:00 pm.