Leroy James Pederson

LeRoy James Pederson, age 78, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away on January 24, 2019. LeRoy was born on January 5, 1941 in Fairview, Minnesota to the late James Oliver and Lillian Orpha Myhre Pederson.

LeRoy grew up on a farm with five siblings outside the small town of Cyrus, Minnesota. While attending high school, he met and married the love of his life, Barbara, and they began 45 joyous years together. After high school graduation, LeRoy started his own farm and began a family.

Following the farm experience, LeRoy attended the University of Minnesota, studying agriculture. While at school, LeRoy indulged his entrepreneurial side, and built successful businesses selling Fuller Brush and Amway products. Then LeRoy changed his focus to maintenance/facilities engineering, and attended night school to obtain his certifications. He practiced engineering in Minnesota, Washington, and Dallas, culminating at the DFW Airport.

In order to fulfill his desire to spend more time with family, LeRoy started a wood shop in his garage, which quickly grew into a thriving business. He sold his wood products at six antique and craft malls in the DFW area. He suffered a stroke in 1997, but after recuperating, continued to run his business until his passing.

Even though he worked hard, he always found time to help others. As a lifelong Christian, he devoted himself to the Lord, and served his church and community. LeRoy and Barbara were enduring members of Emotions Anonymous, an international fellowship of men and women who desire to improve their emotional well-being. He volunteered at the North Richland Hills Hospital, bestowing information, comfort, and a warm smile. At the North Richland Hills Baptist Church, he was a regular at Sunday School, and shared in both the adult and singles groups. He was especially supportive of stroke victims and their families, quietly demonstrating how full life continued to be.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Barbara Jayne Larson Pederson. LeRoy is survived by his children, Sue and RB, Sandi and Maurice, and Mark and Lily; grandchildren Alexis, Lily, Evren, Sophia, and Barbie; great-grandchild Adrian Bentley; and siblings Dick and Sharon, Joyce and Fred, Rose and Rob, Jane and Jay, and Lila and Gene.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 AM on February 9, 2019 at North Richland Hills Baptist Church located at 6955 Blvd. 263, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180.

If desired, donations can be made in LeRoy’s memory to Emotions Anonymous International, or the charity of your choice.