Leeman Ferrel McCord, 89, of Desloge, formerly of Festus, died March 20, 2019, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County. Mr. McCord was a 65-year member of the House of Praise Church of God (formerly Cantwell Church of God) in Desloge, where he held a number of positions over the years. He was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army who served with the 5th Cavalry and was awarded a Purple Heart, and was a member of VFW Post 3777 in Crystal City. He enjoyed assisting his late wife, Ellen, “The Cake Lady,” in her business of decorating cakes for many years, and enjoyed riding his tractor during hay season. He had the reputation of being able to fix just about anything. Born Nov. 5, 1929, in Bonne Terre, he was the son of the late Hardy Marion and Esther (Booher) McCord. He was preceded in death by his wife: Ellen (Marshall) McCord.
He is survived by a daughter in-law: Deneen (fiancé Dennis Parmley) McCord; three granddaughters: Maegen (Randall) Turnbough, Melissa McCord and Madison (Jared) Gamblin; three great-granddaughters: Maelynn and Selah Turnbough and Elaina Gamblin; a sister: Shirley Smith; a sister in-law: Hilda McCord; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sons, DeWayne and Barry McCord; three brothers: Bob, Bill and Bud McCord; and a sister: Mary Griffin.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home, 1116 Desloge Drive, in Desloge. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at House of Praise Church of God, 6500 Dunn Road, in Desloge, officiated by the Rev. Rick Wade and the Rev. Greg McCord. Burial is in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Leadington. Memorials may be made to House of Praise Food Pantry. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home.