Leroy Curtis Van Gundy

LeRoy Curtis Van Gundy, son of Ralph Van Gundy and Zella Herrick Van Gundy, was born March 30, 1926 near Grand Junction, Iowa, and died May 5, 2009 in Bagley, Iowa, at the age of 83 years, 1 month and 5 days. Services for LeRoy were held May 7th at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry with burial in the Richland Twp Cemetery near Jamaica. Pastor Larry Monthei, Hope United Methodist Parish, officiated. Military Rites were accorded by Legion Post #687 of Jamaica with Sam Chaloupka as bugler. Mary Tighe served as pianist and Ken Monthei provided special music of In The Garden and It Is No Secret. A favorite recorded musical selection, Just Beyond The Moon, was played. Honorary casket bearers were his sisters and brothers. Active bearers were his sons, Tim, Tony, and Terry, as well as his dear friends Steve Molle, Steve Hoyle, and LaVerne Grubbs. LeRoy always loved to tell everyone he was 39, just like Jack Benny. LeRoy moved with his family to the Greenbrier area when he was very small and then started school in Jamaica. He graduated from Jamaica High School in 1943. He farmed in the Jamaica area and during the Korean Conflict, served in the U.S. Army. On August 20, 1965, he married Ada Leona Walker Kenan. They continued to make their home on the farm where they were currently living. LeRoy served for over 20 years as the Commander of the Paul Johnson American Legion Post #687 of Jamaica. It was during this time that the Avenue of Flags was started at Richland Twp Cemetery and St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. LeRoy enjoyed reading the newspaper, particularly the comics, obituaries and the farm section. He regularly attended farm sales and was consulted by many farmers about the current prices of machinery and land. LeRoy always enjoyed his grandchildren's activities and they loved him very much. For many years he and Ada were loyal volunteers at the Jamaica Community Center where LeRoy ran the board for BINGO. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers James and Stanley Van Gundy; sister Bonnie Marchant; and daughter Trudy Kenan. LeRoy is survived by his wife Ada; sons: Tim Kenan and wife Sharon of Cherokee; Tony Kenan and wife Linda of Norwalk; Terry Kenan and wife Gayle of Jamaica; 6 grandchildren: Brad Ebert and wife Melinda; Jennifer Ebert; David Kenan; Amanda Miller and husband Tobin; Amber Kenan; and Heather Sheeder; and one great granddaughter Noelle Ebert. LeRoy is also survived by two sisters: Marvel Kenney of Panora; and Martha Stracke and her husband Don of Perry; 6 brothers: Orville Van Gundy and wife Charlene of Jamaica; Dean Van Gundy of Yale; Vernon Van Gundy and wife Patty of Jamaica; Bob Van Gundy and wife Kathy of Jamaica; Gordon Van Gundy and wife Jan of Jamaica; and Ron Van Gundy and wife Debbie of Perry; sisters-in-law Betty Van Gundy and Elsie Van Gundy; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.