Leroy Thetford

Leroy Thetford, age 87, of Odessa TX., was called to his heavenly home on April 23, 2019.

Leroy was born August 31, 1931 in Elida New Mexico, to John and Ruth Thetford. On October 11, 1952 he married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Griffis and they spent the next 66 years together. Together they had three children: Richard, Deborah and Linda.

Leroy graduated from Stathmore High School, in Strathmore California. After High School he joined the Navy on December 28, 1950 and worked as a boiler Operator on various ships until his discharge on October 29, 1954.

After the Navy, Leroy and Bonnie moved to Palmdale California. Leroy began working for Southern California Gas Company. He worked as a pipeline welder and service technician, for over 30 years, until his retirement September 1, 1986.

Leroy and Bonnie took their children on many trips across the United States in their trusty red Ford truck and overhead camper. Those trips often included Leroy competing in high power rifle target shooting. He also was the president of the Desert Marksman Rifle and Pistol Club in California for many years. He also was in the shooters Hall of Fame. Leroy coached Palmdale Little League and Pony League baseball for over 10 years.

After Leroy retired from the Southern California gas co, He and Bonnie moved to Capitan, New Mexico. During this time they became snowbirds to Phoenix, Arizona in the winter and enjoyed their time there with friends from all over the country. During this time Leroy learned to do wood carvings, which friends and family treasure. Leroy never met a stranger; he loved to talk to everyone. He loved teasing and picking on them. He also loved his coffee.

Leroy was a Christian and enjoyed many wonderful times and friendships with his church family.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Bonnie Griffis Thetford. Son, and his wife, Richard and Malinda Thetford, and children Daniel, Kristin, Caleb, and Kaleena. Daughter and husband, Deborah and Jim Hays, children Michelle Duran, and Anthony Duran and his wife Ceylina and their children Elliott and Fern. Daughter and her husband, Linda and Clayton Dennis and their children Joshua and his wife Nicole Dennis, Zachary, Alexandria, and Jayden.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be at 12:00 PM, Monday, April 29, 2019 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, with a memorial service to take place following at Sherwood Church of Christ.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Odessa Christian School.

Special thanks to Sienna Nursing home for their special care of our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, we will miss him. He had a wonderful life.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Sunday, April 28, 2019
6:00-8:00 PM

Service

Graveside Service

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, April 29, 2019
12:00 PM

Celebration of Life

Sherwood Church of Christ
4900 N. Dixie
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, April 29, 2019
Following Interment

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762