LeRoy Junior Sawvell, 91, of Phillipsburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026.

Born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, on March 17, 1935, to Roy and Jessica (Schofield) Sawvell, LeRoy moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, around 1948. There, he spent his youth building houses alongside his father, developing a lifelong work ethic. At the age of 18, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he faithfully served as a Chaplain's Aide.

While stationed at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, LeRoy met Onda Lee Nuckolls. The couple knew each other for 50 years and were married for 47 years before divorcing in 2003, affectionately calling each other "Lee." Together, they raised six children.

Later in 2003, LeRoy married Nancy (Moore) Junge. Though they had no children together, LeRoy warmly embraced his role as a stepfather and step-grandfather in his later years.

Following his military service, LeRoy built a distinguished career as a highly skilled operating engineer. He joined the union in 1964 as a Concrete Batch Plant Operator, enjoying a career that spanned over five decades until his retirement in 1997. A true master of his trade, LeRoy had the unique privilege of contributing to major landmarks that shaped the region, most notably Royals Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and the Kansas City International Airport. His work ethic, expertise, and dedication to his craft left an indelible mark on the community.

Outside of work, LeRoy loved deer hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. Holidays were always a special sight; he would sit with a plate of Onda Lee’s home-cooked food in his lap and a Christmas bow stuck on his head, smiling brightly. In his later years, he found great joy simply sitting outside, enjoying the quieter moments of life and watching his beloved hummingbirds.

A man of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, LeRoy volunteered his time driving the church bus for many years. His true legacy lives on through the generations of family who loved him.

Preceded in Death By

Parents: Roy and Jessica Sawvell

Brothers: Donald Sawvell and Robert Warren Sawvell

Sister: Lorena (Sawvell) Cadle

Sisters-in-law: Amy Sawvell and Leah Sawvell

Brother-in-law: Charles (Chuck) George

Former Wife: Onda Sawvell

Sons: Daniel Lee Sawvell and Roy William Sawvell

Son-in-law: Michael Owen

Survived By

Daughters:

Paula Sawvell of Overbrook, Kansas

Donna Shoemate and her husband, Scott, of Cameron, Missouri

Lorie Owen of Grain Valley, Missouri

Janet Trober and her husband, Michael, of Grain Valley, Missouri

Sister: Joyce George of Hernando, Florida

Brother: Steve Sawvell of North Carolina

Wife: Nancy Sawvell of Phillipsburg, Missouri

Generational Legacy: A beautiful, sprawling legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, stepchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Service Information

Cremation arrangements were held on April 20, 2026, under the direction of Eden Cremation in Springfield, Missouri.