Leroy Edward Dees

Leroy Edward Dees was born June 27, 1930, in North Gila Valley, Yuma Arizona. He was the 7th child of 10 from the union of the late Rufus C Dees and Alice M. Dees. He is preceded in death by 6 sisters & 2 brothers and survived by his sister, Dorothy Johnson.

Leroy attended and graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1949, fulfilling his father’s wish. While in school, he was a member of the Future Farmers of America and served a secretary.

On Feb 2nd, 1951, Leroy entered the US Army during the Korean War. He served as an auto mechanic alongside his older brother, Ralph R Dees and was honorably discharged Feb 16th, 1953.

Leroy returned to Yuma where he met and married Helen House on Jan 11, 1954. During their 68-year marriage, they raised 4 children or as Leroy called them, “2 Kings & 2 Queens”. Leroy was the proud grandfather of 8 and great-grandfather of 5.

Leroy had a long career in the construction industry, last working for Tanner Paving. He was a committed member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America and received his 50-year membership card in 2005. There came a time when Leroy had to choose between a hard-earned foreman position or the Union. He stood strong with the Union stating “I can still give them 8 hours of work with the shovel”.

Leroy served his community through the American Legion. He was post commander for several years of the Floyd G Jefferson Post 56 and was part of the team who worked to build a new facility. In 2001, he was named “The Legionnaire of the Year” amongst a field of more than 100 American Legion Posts in AZ. As a member of the color guard, he participated in the military honors at Veteran’s funeral services as well as Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day observances.

Mother’s Day 2013, Leroy publicly confessed his faith in Jesus Christ. He was baptized by his son, Avery on Sep 14, 2013 and joined the True Light Missionary Baptist Church of El Centro, CA. He was a faithful member, attending virtual service every Sunday.

Leroy was one of a kind and marched to the beat of his own drum. He made an impression on everyone who know him – be it good or bad (lol). Leroy believed in doing things right & doing them once. “Good enough” was not part of his vocabulary. He didn’t give a lot of advice, but set an example by how he lived his life. One piece of advice he did give “If you’re in a hole – stop digging”.

Leroy loved his brothers and sisters and loved when the families spent time together. There were many road trips and picnics at Riverside Park. Whenever he wanted to travel to see his grandchildren in Sacramento, he would recruit his sisters, Joy & Dorothy to go along for the ride and help him drive.

He was also generous with his skill and his time. He had a mind to figure things out and served as handyman, plumber, electrician, mechanic to many family and friends.

Leroy is survived by: Wife, Helen, of Yuma, AZ; Son, Curtis E Dees (Marcia) of Park Forest, IL; Son, Avery D Dees (Angela) of El Centro, CA; Daughter, Cynthia E Dees Brooks of Sacramento, CA, Daughter, Anita R Dees Jackson (Christopher) of McKinney, TX, Sister, Dorothy Johnson of Yuma, AZ, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews & family & friends who will miss him.

A viewing/visitation for Leroy will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, 1415 South First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85364. A chapel service will occur Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 1415 South First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85364. A graveside service and military honors will occur Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 South First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85364.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsonmortuaryyuma.com for the Dees family.