Lennie M. Essary (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lennie Maxine Essary, son of William and Matilda Wilhite Essary, was born May 9, 1925, in Conway, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, February 18, 2021, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-five years, nine months, and nine days.
On April 20, 1985, he married Joyce L. Atkinson Hyde and they shared the last thirty-five years.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Betty, eight brothers, Albert, Lonnie, William, Luther, Lindsey, Kenneth, Minnis, and George; and four sisters, Eva, Mae, Lillie, and Jewel.
Lennie is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, of the home; three daughters, Linetta Essary, of Powersite, Missouri, Linda Keithley, and her husband, John, of Springfield, Missouri, and Benita Sayers, of Everton, Missouri; two sons, Roger Essary, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Dennis Essary, and his wife, Diane, of Springfield, Missouri; two step-sons, Danny Hummer, and Jeff Hyde, and his wife, Tina, all of Phillipsburg, Missouri; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Conway community, and then entered the military as a young man. He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy on a carrier ship during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Conway and began working at Custom Trailers, where he was employed for twenty-three years. He then started working in construction with his brother, Luther for several years. He and Betty made their home in the Willard area and lovingly raised their family. After he and Joyce were married, they made their home on their farm near Lebanon.
Lennie professed his faith in Christ and was baptized into the Rose Hill Baptist Church.
He enjoyed being outdoors where he liked fishing and coon hunting. He was a gifted square dancer and had won numerous awards for his dancing. He had a love for music and played the fiddle and banjo. He had a good sense of humor and liked acting up and having a good time. He was a hard worker and always had a smile. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
Lennie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and was a caring friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will hold tight to the wonderful memories he made for them during his lifetime.
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