Leroy Lykins
Leroy Lykins, 81, passed away June 6, 2018 at his home in Liberty Lake, Washington surrounded by his loving family. He had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but had dealt with COPD for 12 years. He fought a good fight and is now at peace with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Leroy was born on March 15, 1937 in Lucasville, Ohio. His parents were Albert and Louella (Jones) Lykins. He was the oldest of their eight children. He met his future wife, Frances (Benner) on a blind date and 16 months later, on Dec. 7, 1958, they were married. Together they had three daughters: Gayle, Suzanne and Cindy.
Leroy lived his childhood and early adult years in southern Ohio. He told many stories of mischievous antics committed with his brothers and sisters. However, after visiting and fishing the Yaak River in 1964, he was “hooked” on Montana and moved his family to Libby in October 1965.
He owned and operated the Hi-Way Deli for nearly 40 years, a remarkable feat because he closed the store only one day each year, Christmas Day. He was well-known for his pizza, rotisserie chicken and deli sandwiches, but more importantly, his customers remember him fondly for the kind and respectful way he served them, and he never failed to say, “Thank you, come again” as they exited the door.
Even with long work days, Leroy enjoyed an active, outdoor life. He loved fishing in nearby lakes as well as fishing trips to Alaska and Canada. He regaled in memories of hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. His grandsons have wonderful memories of hunting with grandpa.
In July 2006, Leroy and Frances moved to Liberty Lake, Washington to be closer to family and medical services. He attended ChangePoint Fellowship in Spokane Valley for several years and made the monumental decision to be baptized one month before his passing. His whole family was in attendance. Even though baptism took place in his later years, Leroy always had a strong faith in God.
Leroy was a talented man who could do anything, fix anything, and didn’t quit until a task was completed. He was an artist who gave away many paintings, which have become cherished keepsakes. His quiet, cheerful demeanor won over many friends. He listened to what people had to say and genuinely cared about them. He loved people and people loved him. He will greatly missed!
Leroy is survived by Frances, his loving and devoted wife of 59-and-a-half years; his three daughters — Gayle Jaqueth of Troy, Suzanne Schmidt (Dean) of Spokane Valley, Washington, and Cindy Lykins of Seattle; four grandsons — Mitchell Lykins, Robert Counts and Matthew Schmidt, all of Spokane Valley, Washington, and Timothy Spencer (Kelly Jo) of Post Falls, Idaho; five great-grandchildren — Emma, Carleigh, Jadon, Taylor and Rory. Leroy is also survived by his siblings — Donna Brickey of Libby, Bill Lykins (Helen), Linda Holbrook (Larry Eldridge), Tom Lykins, Carolyn Wheeler (Roger) and Philip Lykins — and sister-in-law, Donna Breitenbach (Bill) and brother-in-law, Thomas Benner, Jr. (Eunice), all of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews, of which he was the favorite uncle.
In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Cole; son-in-law, Scott Jaqueth; and brother-in-law, Jim Brickey.
The family would like to thank doctors Skidmore, Black and Guglielmo for the excellent care given to Leroy these past 12 years, and to Hospice of Spokane for the compassionate services provided. Special thanks to Denise and Tim Coyle for being such good stewards of the community where Leroy and Frances resided as it brought Leroy joy and now for Frances, solace, to live in such beautiful surroundings.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Spokane Valley Assembly of God Church at 15618 E. Broadway Ave., with Pastor Richard Viel officiating. Burial will follow at Pines Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Spokane.
Online condolences may be left at www.ballandodd.com.