LeRoy Junior Archer

LeRoy Junior Archer, 88, of Council Grove, Kansas passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at the Morris County Hospital in Council Grove, KS.

LeRoy was born on January 31, 1935 in Cottonwood Falls, KS to Jackson and Gertrude (Selves) Archer. His early years were spent on their farm east of Cottonwood Falls and he attended a one room schoolhouse located not far from the farm. Eventually he would attend school in Saffordville, KS and graduate from there in 1952.

During his senior year of high school he met Doris Marie Bray of Cottonwood Falls, KS. They were united in marriage February 4, 1956 at the Cottonwood Falls Courthouse. They have been inseparable ever since that blessed day. LeRoy was called to serve his country in 1957 and served as a medic in the Army for two years. The couple made their home in Cottonwood Falls and remained there until 1965. During this time, LeRoy worked as a signalman for the Santa Fe Railroad. The couple moved to Council Grove in 1965 when LeRoy accepted a job with Flint Hills REA. He was a dedicated lineman who spent countless nights in bad weather restoring power to customers. He retired from the REC in 1996 after being with the company 31 years. In addition to his job, LeRoy enjoyed being a member of the Optimist Club, the local gun club and the VFW. For years, he changed the light on the city’s water tower and helped put up the Christmas lights downtown.

LeRoy and Doris enjoyed living in Council Grove but eventually made the move to Hope, KS to be closer to their children and grandson before returning once again to Council Grove where LeRoy spent the rest of his days.

LeRoy loved and adored his family, especially his grandson Zeb and great grandsons, Kannen, Kyven, and Kohen.

He had a deep affection for the Flint Hills. Through all his travels he always said there was no place more beautiful than the green rolling hills of Kansas. LeRoy was easy going, quiet and humble but was not against pulling pranks on others. He had the heart and soul of a cowboy. It was rare to see LeRoy idle. He was always tinkering with something. Any leisure time he had was spent hunting and fishing, riding/raising horses, helping and/or socializing with family and friends and attending his grandson’s activities. LeRoy also enjoyed anything western, dancing, rodeos, collecting antique guns and exercising daily. However, he was probably the most content when he was riding his beloved horse, Goldie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and five brothers. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Doris of Council Grove, his son James and daughter Kelli (Todd) Elliott all of Hope, grandson Zeb (Kilynn) Elliott of rural Junction City, KS and three great grandsons, Kannen Elliott, Kycen Elliott and Kohen Elliott, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 24 at the First Baptist Church in Council Grove, KS from 2 to 4 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Morris County Hospital Foundation in his name. Donations will go toward the purchase of a new mammogram machine.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.sawyer chapel.com.