LeRoy A. Rakestraw, 78, of Winfield, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 23, 2021 at William Newton Hospital.

Born July 24, 1942 in Superior, Nebraska, he was the son of Myrl Leo and Irene Mildred (von Arx) Rakestraw.  LeRoy was raised and received his education in Republic, KS, graduating from Republic High School in 1960.  After high school, LeRoy attended Fairbury Junior College for two years, Ft. Hays State University for one year, and finished his education at a barber school in Wichita.

In 1963, LeRoy married Nancy Shulda in Belleville, KS.  The couple had two children and later divorced.

LeRoy worked as a barber for a short time before he decided he would rather work outdoors.  He began working in construction pouring concrete, building roads and operating heavy machinery.  He worked for TriCo Construction, the family business, Eagle Eye Construction, Kansas Paving, and numerous other companies.  His work in the construction field took his family all over, including Claremore, OK; Longton, KS; Abilene, KS and Oxford, KS.

LeRoy met Judith "Judy" Howe in 1983 and the couple was united in marriage at the Cambridge Presbyterian Church on November 30, 1984.  They made their home in Winfield.

He was a member of New Hope Fellowship Church.  He enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and blackberry bushes, making knives in his shop, puzzles, card games, and being around or helping people.  LeRoy had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren whom he and Judy prayed for every night.

LeRoy's family includes his wife, Judy of Winfield; his children, Sherry White of Oxford; Kathy Teater of Overland Park; Timothy Sutton of Wichita; Theresa Rogian of Dallas, TX; Alan Sutton (Rondee) of Rose Hill; his grandchildren, Craig Mayo (Aleshia) of San Antonio, TX; Elizabeth Newsom of Garland, TX; Justin Barton of Wichita; Lyndsay Parsons (Scott) of Burden; Levi Barton (Lexie) of Plano, TX; Karlie Sherman of Dallas, TX; KaCee Tyler (Cody) of Arkansas City; Cody Carson (Codi) of Oxford; Jake Sutton of Wichita; Gabe Teater of Overland Park; Saige Teater of Overland Park; his great grandchildren, Daisy, Evan, Jeb, Gunnar, Connor, Freddy, Elliott, James, Adam, Asher, Chance, Finn; and his sister, Carolyn Mients (Gayle) of Columbus, NE.

In addition to his parents, LeRoy was preceded in death by his brother, Don Rakestraw and his stepdaughter, Debra Crow.

The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at New Hope Fellowship Church in Winfield.

A memorial has been established in LeRoy's name for New Hope Fellowship Church.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.