Ernest Leroy Brixey, of Willow Springs, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 14, 2022. He was born on July 14, 1948, to Donald E. Brixey and Opal L. (Collins) Brixey; he was 73 years old.
Leroy was born in Douglas County, Missouri, but the family moved to Percival, Iowa where he attended elementary and some high school. They moved back to Missouri where he graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1967. He attended The College of The Ozarks before being drafted into the United States Army in 1968. Leroy served honorably as a combat infantryman with the 199th Light infantry Brigade “Redcatchers” in Vietnam during the years 1969 and 1970. He earned several medals and badges during his service. If you knew Leroy well, you know that although he left Vietnam, Vietnam never left him. Leroy worked many years in the logging woods and then later worked as a greenskeeper for the Willow Springs Golf Course. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping. He was an avid collector of guns, ammo, and knives. He enjoyed hunting for Indian artifacts and researching Native American Indian history, particularly his own Native American roots. Leroy was very proud of his daughter and only child, Carrie Ann. He loved to show visitors her college graduation picture, where she looked exactly like her dad. They were very close, and he loved her deeply. He will be missed by many friends and family.
Leroy is preceded in death by his parents and two infant sisters.
He is survived by his daughter, Carrie Ann Schaumburg and husband, Scott of Koshkonong, Missouri, and his brother, Vernon Leon Brixey and his wife, Terri of South Burlington, Vermont. He is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A family night/visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at the Holmes Flatrock Cemetery in Douglas County with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
