Harry “LeRoy” LePlatt, 98, passed away peacefully at home on August 15th, 2016, surrounded by his loving family and dedicated caregivers.
He was born , December 23, 1917 in Hoehne, Colorado, to Harry and Mabel (Johnson) LePlatt.
After his 8th grade graduation from the Barnes School, Leroy worked several jobs including breaking horses, punching cattle, farming and truck driving,
He was noted as top jockey for local race tracks as well as a Roman Style Rider.
Leroy married Shirley (Ellis), November 18, 1939 and enjoyed 72 years of bliss.
In the early 40’s, Leroy worked as a fireman on steam engine No. 638. It now sits in the Trinidad Safeway parking lot. Later he became a heavy machine operator for the Colorado and Southern Railroad for 16 years . He worked in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, retiring in 1966 due to health reasons.
He and Shirley then started their adventures: ranching and the LePlatt Goat Cheese Dairy, while raising their 4 children. He and Mom were five generations starters, enjoying their 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Some of their fondest memories include receiving the 1976 Best Attire Award in the Trinidad Round-Up Labor Day Bicentennial Parade, and in 2003, they were the Silver Queen and Grand Marshall for the Trinidad Round-Up Labor Day Parade and Rodeo.
Leroy was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, son Bob and daughter- in -law Jacquie LePlatt, parents Harry and Mabel LePlatt, step father, James Downey, brother Howard (Elmer) LePlatt, sisters Lucille (Bert) Day, Pauline (Earl) Sullivan, mother and father- in- law, Harry and Maggie Ellis, sister and brother- in- law, Vi and Paul Riggs, and brother-in-law ,Dan Ellis.
He is survived by daughter, Gloria (Frank) Sciacca, son Jim (JoAnn) LePlatt and daughter Sally (Gary) Waller, all of Trinidad, sister-in-law, Bernice LePlatt of Sarcillo, brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Audry Ellis, of Grand Junction, “10 Grandchildren”, “22 Great-Grandchildren”, “1 Great-Great- Granddaughter”, nieces, nephews and COUNTLESS FRIENDS.
Visitation will be Monday, August 22nd, 3-7pm at the Comi Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Tuesday, August 23rd, 10am at Faith Christian Church, 2608 Santa Fe Trail , Trinidad, CO, with Rev. Bill Glidden officiating.
Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Trinidad, Colorado.
Honorary pallbearers are Gary Waller, Frank Sciacca, Jim Chongway, Dave Bachicha, Audie LePlatt, Daryl LePlatt and all LeRoy’s friends.
Active pallbearers are Grandsons, Jack, Nick, Rick and Ken Sciacca, Keith Waller and Gerald (Jerry) LePlatt.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
