Leroy Cansler

Leroy Cansler, Sr., 101, of Littlefield, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020 in Littlefield. He was born April 13, 1919 in Clarendon, TX to Charlie Lewis Cansler and Mary Ella (Brown) Cansler.

Leroy met Rosie May Nichols in Tularosa, NM where he worked as a cook and she was hired on as a waitress at the age of 17. They immediately fell in love and married a week later on September 30, 1940, and were happily married for 50 years before her passing on June 7,1991. He then married Billie Jones Cansler who passed in 2004, and then married El Wanda Rogers Cansler. Before moving to Littlefield, Leroy lived in Hartley County, TX where he managed Farmers Supply and Grocery for 30 years and later owned A&I parts store. He helped supply the nation with wheat and cattle during the war years, and was a true servant to the public. He also was appointed as the Justice of the Peace of Hartley and served for six years. He loved bowling, fishing and even took up golfing after retirement. He was active in managing the Littlefield Senior Citizens for over 12 years. Leroy was a gentle and likeable man with a kind soul. He was the best Daddy and granddad in the world, who was very hands on and enjoyed playing games with his family, singing and dancing. He was a member of the Hartley Methodist Church before moving to Littlefield, and then the Littlefield First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, El Wanda Cansler of Littlefield; two daughters, Gaile Cansler of Littlefield and Naomi Cansler Towner and husband, Gary ofArizona; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Cansler of Pilot Pointe, TX; seven grandchildren, Shelley Knudsen, Debbie Manning, Leslie Cansler Jones, Terri J. Tinny, Christy Cansler, LaRonda Corrin and Kevin Cansler; fourteen great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great grandchildren and one on the way. He was also preceded in death by a son, Charlie Leroy Cansler, Jr. on June 18, 2020; a grandson, Brent Wilson; a sister, Ozella Cansler Tipton; and his parents.

Celebration of Life Services were at 10 a.m., Thursday Dec. 3, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Littlefield with Rev. Danny Sanders officiating and Kevin Cansler giving the eulogy. Interment followed at 3 p.m. at Hartley Cemetery in Hartley, where he will be laid to rest by Rosie. Arrangements were under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield.