LeRoy “Duke” Albert Koehler, 74, of Harrisonville, was born Jun 6, 1941, in Marlette, MI, the son of Carl Martin and Almeda Jeanette (Bentley) Koehler. He died Tue, January 12, 2016, at Cass Regional Medical Center.
On October 10, 1962, LeRoy was united in marriage to Judith Ann Boyett in Topeka, KS.
LeRoy was a machinist and owned and operated Koehler Machine Tool Company, Harrisonville, until 2000. He later drove truck for Werner Enterprises until 2008. LeRoy was in the Naval Reserves for two years in high school and then joined the Air Force for active duty. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 4409 Men’s Auxiliary and was active in Harrisonville Honor Guard, Hurley Lee Spicer American Legion Post No 42 and Cass County Elk’s Lodge, all of Harrisonville. LeRoy enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, anything outdoors, animals, working on and driving his 1955 red Chevy pickup, and listening to smooth jazz and big band music. He loved to travel and had been in 47 of the 50 states. LeRoy was an avid Royals fan and was a huge fan of Salvador Perez. He was self proclaimed as the “Best Looking Guy in Cass County.” LeRoy’s family was most important to him and he loved everyone in his family.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judith A. Koehler on August 15, 2008; a son, David Michael Koehler on January 3, 2008; an infant daughter, Laura A. Koehler; and two sisters, Rose Mary Specci, and Lucille Hatfield.
LeRoy is survived by a son, Scott M. Koehler, Cleveland; two daughters, Kathy Goul and husband Roger, Paola, KS, Jennifer Rinne and husband Garret, Blue Springs; four grandchildren, Ashley Goul, Rayna Villa, Isabella Rinne, and Alaina Rinne; a great granddaughter, Freya Barnes; a sister, Joyce Gravlin, Manton, MI; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 2pm Sat, January 30 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville. Inument will be in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, following the service. Family will receive friends 1-2pm Sat at the funeral home.
Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to VFW Men’s Auxiliary.
