Homer LeRoy Pinkston

Homer LeRoy Pinkston, known to most simply as LeRoy, passed away peacefully at the age of 91, with his beloved wife Jo by his side, after a life marked by hard work and good friendships.

LeRoy was born January 4, 1934, in Monett, Arkansas, to Homer and Gertrude Pinkston. Around the age of 16, he moved with his family to Bridgman. He was preceded in death by his three older siblings—Carlene (Carl) Bundesman, Gene (Marie) Pinkston, and Cathlene (Mel) Hocutt—whose memories he cherished throughout his life.

From 1952 to 1954, LeRoy served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, where he operated large excavating equipment. After returning home, he began his career as an electrician with an apprenticeship at Baroda Hardware Company in 1963. He earned his Journeyman Electrical License four years later, a testament to his dedication and skill. LeRoy worked for Baroda Hardware until its closing in 1973, after which he joined Mead and White Electric in Bridgman, overseeing residential wiring projects. In 1975, he struck out on his own, working independently until his semi-retirement in 1999, though he continued to serve as a respected local electrical inspector for several townships. Known for the exceptional quality of his work and his friendly, down-to-earth personality, LeRoy earned the trust and affection of all who worked with him.

LeRoy was also a man who enjoyed the simpler pleasures of life. He looked forward to deer hunting season each year, heading north with friends, though he was known more for the stories than for bringing anything home. In later years, he enjoyed getting together with friends each week for lunch.

LeRoy experienced both joy and sorrow in his personal life. With his first wife, Dixie Benke, he had two children, Belinda and Gary. The passing of his son Gary in 2008 was his greatest heartbreak. Yet, life also gave him renewed companionship and love when he married Marilyn Jo (Harris) Martin in 1992. Together, they shared 33 years of laughter, travel, and care—visiting Las Vegas, Florida, Aruba, and Mexico, creating memories to last a lifetime.

LeRoy is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Pinkston; his daughter, Belinda (Eric) Schriver; and four grandchildren: Steve (Erika) Hunding, Nick Hunding, Christopher (Charlene) Hunding, and Nathan Shriver along with his nephew Bob (Carolyn) Pinkston of Toldeo, OH. 

A memorial service to celebrate LeRoy’s life will be held at Harbert Community Church on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11am, with a reception and refreshments to follow. In place of flowers, donations can be given to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).