Leroy J. Niebaum

LeRoy James Niebaum, 88, of Louisburg, KS died Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at his home. He was born on December 7, 1922 in Rome, KS, the son of Otto and Mabel May Rowan Niebaum. He was united in marriage to Virginia Lucille Hollensbe on March 8, 1946. He was a carpenter, building houses in the Kansas City and Miami County areas. He joined the United States Navy in 1943 and went to electrical school in Farragut, Idaho. He was an electrician in the United States Navy serving on the USS Mississippi, and was discharged February 8, 1946. He spent 16 months at sea during WWII. LeRoy was a life member of the VFW Post #7348, serving as commander. He served as District Commander from 1991 through 1992 and Quarter Master of VFW Post #7348 for the last 8 years. He was a member of American Legion Post #250, Louisburg, KS and a member of the Carpenter"s Union. He received an honorary high school diploma in May, 2003. He started the Veterans Day program in Miami County November 11, 1993. He organized the avenue of flags in 1980 on Memorial Day and served as Color Guard at local football games and the Labor Day parade. He raised Charolais cattle on his farm until 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Niebaum; his parents; 3 brothers, Marion, Leonard and Norman Niebaum. Survivors include 3 sons, Michael Niebaum and wife Cheryl, Myron Niebaum, Merlin Niebaum and wife Christine, all of Louisburg, KS; 1 daughter, Marciel Niebaum, Paola, KS; 1 sister, Madeline Schoeller and husband Bill, Liberty, MO. 9 grandchildren ; 4 great grandchildren; 2 great great granddaughters and 3 great great grandchildren on the way. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Louisburg Baptist Temple 6961 W. 271st Street, Louisburg KS. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 20, from 5:00 " 8:00 p.m. at Penwell " Gabel Louisburg Chapel. Burial will follow in the Louisburg Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Louisburg Senior Center or VFW Post 7348 Flag Fund. Louisburg Baptist Temple 6961 W. 271 st. Louisburg, KS 66053 Service: Friday, January 21, 2011 10:00 AM Visitation: Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM