Col. LeRoy M. Gawith, 90, Minneapolis, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 18, 2021, at Salina Regional Health Center.
He was born December 19, 1930, near Miltonvale, Kansas. On August 4, 1951, in Aurora, Kansas, LeRoy married the love of his life, Betty Mae Collins.
LeRoy and Betty made a life together in Delphos, Hill City, and Red Cloud, Nebraska. Before retiring in Minneapolis, LeRoy lived his life auctioneering at many sale barns in Kansas and Nebraska. LeRoy also owned sale barns in Hill City, Kansas and Red Cloud, Nebraska.
LeRoy had a love for his family and the love of his horses. He was known for his contagious smile and the wink of his baby blues, auctioning his grandchildren’s wedding shoes all while doing the jitterbug as fast as he auctioned.
He participated in three world championship auctioneering contests and placed second in Norfolk, Nebraksa.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Vernie and Vivian; brothers, Jake, Oakla, Lawrence; and sister Mabel Jane Johnson.
Survivors include his children, Jim (Kay) Gawith and Joni (Curtis) Crosson; grandson, Jayme Gawith; granddaughters, Lezlie (Damon) McKinney, Aimee (T.J.) Trout, Aricca (Matthew) Wallace, Monicca (Robert) King, Tara (Beauyett) Young; six great-grandsons; six great-granddaughters; one great-great grandson; brother, Kenny Gawith; and sisters Deloris Pachta and Kathryn Paige.
Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Thursday, January 21 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 P.M., Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial following in Highland Cemetery. The public is invited to attend the graveside services at 3:00 P.M. Following the graveside, everyone is invited to Curtis and Joni’s at 1625 Rifle Road, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jo Nana Lunches. Please make checks payable to U.S.D. 239 at put LeRoy’s name in the memo. They may be mailed to Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.