Leroy Dupree Emanuel

May 25, 1932 – May 20, 2025

Leroy Dupree Emanuel, affectionately known as “Papa” by his grandchildren, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Worth, Texas, on May 20, 2025, just a few days shy of his 93rd birthday. He was surrounded by the love of his family in his final weeks and moments. A viewing will be held at Chapel of Chimes at Laurel Land Funeral Home on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately after.

Born in Marion, South Carolina, Leroy lived a full and hardworking life. In the 1950s, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in the food service squadron in North Carolina and in France. His passion for cooking led him to attend culinary school in Chicago, and he later went on to build a career in the catering business. He and Lavone married in 1962 and moved to Lake Worth, Texas, in the late 1960s. He proudly worked for Coburn’s Catering for many years and retired in 1999.

Leroy loved hosting during the holidays and would single-handedly prepare the entire dinner spread for a house full of family. He took great pride in maintaining a beautiful flower garden, loved his scratch-offs and also had a deep love for antique cars—buying, fixing up and selling dozens over the years. If you knew Leroy, he was always looking for a way to make an honest dollar, often selling what he could with a twinkle in his eye and quick wit.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Debbie Torrez and husband Andrew, Theresa Lynn, and Nita Young and husband Charles; his sons Ronald Emanuel and Larry Reynolds; and a large and loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Leroy was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 54 years, Lavone Emanuel; his son, Terry Lee Emanuel; his daughter Billy Sue Manning; his parents, Evelyn and William Emanuel; brothers Eugene and Henry Emanuel; and sisters Dorothy Ward and Mary Emanuel.

Leroy’s legacy of love, hard work and humor will live on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.