Leroy Fenwick

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Francis Leroy Fenwick, 87, of Perryville passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at Independence Care Center in Perryville.

He was born Feb. 29, 1924, in Perryville, son of Joseph Elbert Fenwick and Mary Elberta O'Mara Fenwick Hoffman. He and Rita M. Pingel were married June 21, 1947. Both were 1943 graduates of St. Vincent High School.

Leroy was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. He was a 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus No. 1263 and held the following offices: grand knight, faithful navigator, district deputy of Southeast Missouri and state secretary. He was past president of the Holy Name Society and a life member of Perry County Historical Society.

He served in World War II in the South Pacific with the 96th Infantry Division (Dead Bugs) whereby he received the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and two Service Stars.

Leroy was a life member of VFW Post 4282, Military Order of the Purple Heart, DAV, American Legion and charter member of AMVETS.

He was an assistant foreman at International Shoe Co. He was a rural mail carrier 38 years, retiring in 1992.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Fenwick of Perryville; a son, Patrick (Linda) Fenwick of St. Peters, Mo.; three daughters, Jane (James) Schuessler, Julie (Kevin) Comte and Jean (Richard) Schemel, all of Perryville; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Fenwick; and a sister, Lawana Hoeh. After his father passed away, his mother married Andrew Peter Hoffman, who raised him and his siblings.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 6:30 to 9:50 a.m. Saturday at Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville. Parish prayers with the Knights of Columbus will be at 7 p.m. Friday. The rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The Revs. Milton Ryan and Rickey Valleroy will concelebrate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville with graveside military honors courtesy of the VFW and Delta Team.

Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul School Endowment Fund.