Leroy McCloud
- Published: November 20, 2025
Leroy McCloud, age 83, of Yellow Springs, Ohio, passed away Nov. 13, 2025, at home in the presence of his loving wife, Kathleen, and family.
Leroy was born in Campton, Kentucky, on May 24, 1942, to the late Alva Nuel and Anna Jane (Roberts) McCloud. Leroy graduated from Lemon Monroe High School in 1960. Growing up he was an industrious young man learning the value of hard work and persistence and the satisfaction of a job well done, working his paper route for six years.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961 and was transferred to Munich, Germany, where he served until 1963 as a tank driver. While there he was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was in the 24th Infantry Division, 32nd Armored Battalion, Tank Unit attached to Infantry. He was a Specialist 5th Class, E-5.
When he returned to the States, he was employed at Armco for 36 years, working in various positions. He also earned his 3rd Class Steam Engineer License, working in the Energy Department.
Leroy met Kathleen in Springboro in 1985. They were married 10 months later and they have lived in Yellow Springs since then. They enjoyed hiking, biking and home remodeling. They also had a cabin in Morehead, Kentucky, where Leroy developed a deep love and respect for horses. His special way with horses earned their trust, and they felt safe in his presence.
Throughout his life Leroy always had a love of music, especially music from the 1960s, as well as country music.
Later in life he learned to play the guitar well, and he diligently practiced every day. He also began composing original music and gave small performances to his family and friends.
He was known for his kindness and generosity, helping family and friends. He was dependable as well as a man of his word.
Leroy is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Kathleen McCloud. He was a loving father to Tracy Smith (Steve), Jill Olvera and Chad McCloud. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather to Brittany (John) Plantz, Kyle Ruthruff, Christian Olvera and Christian Jackson, Mckenzie, Emma and Freya. He is also survived by brother Bob McCloud (Shirley) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Anna McCloud; sister, Helen Whisman and her daughter Nancy; sister Betty Spurlock; brother Jim McCloud; and grandson Nate McCloud.
A visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home, located at 1357 E. 2nd St., Franklin, Ohio 45005, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The funeral service will follow at the same location, starting at 1 p.m.
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