Leroy Kuykendall

Leroy Kuykendall, aka Pops, left his earthly body and joined our Savior on July 6th at the age of 78. Pops is survived by his wife, Leona, his son, David, daughter, Paula (Paul), his granddaughters; Kaylea, Hannah and Ashley, and his sisters; MaryAnn, Lue (John) and Sue (Jimmy). He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Juanita and brother-in-law, Ray. Pops was born January 31, 1938 in Marshall, AR to Homer and Floy. He graduated from University of Central Arkansas, formerly Arkansas State Teachers College in 1958. After moving to St. Louis, MO, he began working for the Department of Defense. Through a blind date, he met and married the love of his life, Leona Dills, on July 5th, 1959. In 1960, the government sent him to Cincinnati, OH, to attend graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, where he studied Advanced Math and Celestial Mechanics. He and Leona then moved to the St. Louis metro area and in 1961 they welcomed their first child, David, into their home followed by Paula in 1963. During his 36 year career with the Department of Defense, he accomplished some pretty amazing things. He worked on Ballistic missiles, he was selected to be part of team at the Pentagon formulating the US policy for Global relations in the Cold War period and he was one of the two US representatives that met with others around the world to coordinate all the world maps. After retirement, Pops and Lea spent time in Missouri, but quickly returned to Virginia once they found out they were going to be grandparents! He dabbled in real estate, volunteered at several nursing homes, but his true passion was helping Leona babysit their three granddaughters – they were his true pride and joy! Pops was an active and dedicated member of Gateway Bible church. He was an awesome provider, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He showed so much love and encouragement to anyone that crossed his path and will be missed…beyond words. He would always say “Keep on keeping on.” A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, July 10 at 4:00 at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA with a reception following. Pastor Jeff Ward will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pop’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gateway Bible Church’s Benevolence Fund. They can be given on-line at GBCNOVA.com or sent to their home. The family would like to thank all of those that have reached out this past week for their love, prayers and support.

Leroy Kuykendall

January 31, 1938 - July 6, 2016