Leroy August Miertschin, 95, of Galveston, passed peacefully Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Ashton Parke Care Center in Texas City.

Born in Thorndale, Texas on March 29, 1918, he was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known as “Papa” to family, as “Papa Leroy” to friends, and “Pops” to his caregivers. He enjoyed barbequing, gardening, playing dominoes and pinochle, singing Irish songs, and visiting with family and friends. He served in the U.S. Army from November, 1941 until December, 1945 when he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. “Papa” worked as a Longshoreman for more than 30 years. He retired at the age of 58 as a member of ILA Local 307. He was a proud member of American Legion Post #20 in Galveston where he provided many years of help and support. Over the years, he cooked delicious barbeque and helped organize other fund raisers. He came to be known as “The Barbeque King” and also earned the name of “Mr. American Legion.”

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorothy, his parents, Augusta Dorothea and Ernst Adolph Miertschin, four sisters, six brothers, and one son-in-law.

Survivors include three daughters: Linda Jones of Dickinson, Barbara Ladd and husband Alan of Bedias, Patricia Munoz and husband Dewayne of Galveston; sister-in-law Bertha Angel of Texas City; his grandchildren Kevin Doyle, Kristie Hoops and husband Mark, Kirk Doyle, and Nathan Munoz; great-grandson Luke Hoops; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers are Kevin Doyle, Kirk Doyle, Nathan Munoz, Alan Ladd, Dewayne Munoz, and Mark Hoops.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 13th at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Galveston with Pastor Alan Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Galveston County Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock.

The family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to caregivers from the American Hospice team, to his former at home caregivers for their love and support over many months, and to the staff at Ashton Parke.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1121 39th Street in Galveston, or American Hospice, 6700 W. Loop South, Ste. 250, Bellaire, Texas 77401.