James Leroy Breneman

James Leroy Breneman, 79, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 9:00 am Tuesday, October 15, 2019, peacefully at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Bob Hoehn will officiate. Burial will be in the Vandalia Cemetery following the service.

Visitation celebrating Leroy will be held 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Waters Funeral Home.

Leroy was born on May 9, 1940, in Vandalia, Missouri the son of James Gerald and Verda Christine (Shoemate) Breneman.

He was united in marriage to Gail Ennis on September 27, 1959, in Mexico, Missouri and they shared 60 years and 18 days of love and devotion. She survives him in death.
Two daughters blessed this union, Deanna Lynn Divins and Kelly Leann Meals. They both survive.

Other survivors include one sister, Dorothy Marie Barnet of Sun City, AZ and four grandchildren, Lindsay Divins, Audrey Williams, Jacob Black and Forest Dotson. Seven great grandchildren complete the family tree. Gavin and Gabri Hinson, Trillian Pease, Aaden, Zander and Stella Black and Ariadne Williams. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, cousins and in laws.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lorraine who was stillborn and two brothers in law.

Leroy’s early school years were in Benton City, then on to Mexico where he enjoyed sports and the Dixie Gray Marching Band. He excelled on the tenor saxophone. As a young man he enjoyed helping with the girls’ softball team, waters skiing every weekend on the Mississippi river, dancing the two-step on Saturday night and fishing anytime.
 
Leroy worked as a foreman at C-E Refractories for 20 years, then in partnership with his father in law and brother in law at Breneman – Ennis Hardware for 32 years. The business was closed in 2018 when his health failed.

Through numerous hospitalizations he maintained a positive attitude and good humor. He leaves a host of friends, family and good memories.

Pallbearers will be Ennis Childs, Kurt Childs, Chad Ennis, Paul Six, Rick Six, Steve Breneman and Cliff Breneman.

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Jungers, Wendell Talbert, Frank Bauman, Rick Burnett, Jim Jerman, Phil Ennis and Harry Divins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spencer Creek Baptist Church or a donors choice in the care of Waters Funeral Home, 500 S Main St. P.O. Box 84 Vandalia, MO 63382.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on James's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com.