Leonard Marshall McKneely Sr.

Leonard Marshall McKneely, Sr. softly slipped into eternity to join the Lord and family members beyond the veil on Thursday, April 24, 2014. Leonard was born on March 30, 1926, in Kirbyville, Jasper County, Texas to William Brady McKneely and Bessie Estelle Williams.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Maudie Lee Barton, Mae Hill, and Willie Bea Boyd; and brother, James Wallace McKneely. His greatest sorrow was in the loss of his children: Lurie Rankin, Leland A. McKneely Jackson, and Danny C. McKneely.

He is survived by daughters, Marsha Kay Ault and husband Robert of Nacogdoches, and Brenda Jean McKneely of Corpus Christi; sons, Leonard M. McKneely, Jr. and wife Nan of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Carl S. McKneely and wife Susan of College Station. He is also survived by a special friend, Barbara Yeagy and daughter, Susan of Houston ,Texas. Leonard was known as “Grandpa” to 32 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren at the last counting.

Leonard was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in which he served in the very first branch presidency organized in the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area. He was a general contractor. Prior to his construction work, he operated the McKneely Texaco Service Station on South Street. L.M. was a World War II veteran having served in the Philippines. Mr. McKneely loved to fish with his sons and grandsons and to garden.

Friends and family are invited to visitation on Monday, April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.

A funeral service will take place at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29. The McKneely family will be officiating the service. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery with United States Air Force rendering military honors. The Patriot Guard Riders will also be present.