LeRoy Engel

LeRoy James Engel, age 90, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2026, with his devoted, loving wife, Mary Nell, by his side.

LeRoy was born September 12, 1935, in Lycoming County, Penn., to Albert and Kathryn (Biggers) Engel. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Gil and Eugene Engel.

At the age of 18, LeRoy joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953, serving as a Staff Sergeant until 1957. After leaving the Air Force, he became a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. He brought his Stanley thermos and lunch pail to work every day until he retired after 35 years.

In 1981, LeRoy met the love of his life, Mary Nell. They were married on April 27, 1985, and would spend the next 41 years together. Among the many fond memories are Easter egg hunts, Thanksgivings and Christmases where all were welcome; coworkers, members of the church or anyone who needed a place to go could join in on the festivities, and there was always plenty of Mary’s homemade pie and purple salad to go around. They always had an open door for anyone who needed it, including all the stray cats in the neighborhood.

LeRoy was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church, a founding member for over 60 years, an usher and a bingo caller for the Knights of Columbus.

Known for his excellent woodworking, LeRoy was a member of the Arts and Crafts Society. He loved being in his shop and was a masterful cabinet maker. He also made beautiful grandfather clocks and post office banks.

The best thing he ever made – and what he was most proud of – were his children. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Mary Nell, four sons, Mike (Suann), of Huntsville, Ark.; Pat (Gigi) of Sherwood, Ark.; Bruce (Dawn) of Sherwood, Ark; Brian (Wendy) Parnell of Prairie Grove, Ark.; two daughters, Joan (Keith) Smith of Rogers, Ark.; and Belinda Mann of Jefferson, Ark., as well as 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and one orange cat, Bob.

Special thanks to Arkansas Hospice and the Sherwood Fire Department for their support.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Immaculate Conception Church, 7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR, 72116.