Leroy E. Sands

Leroy E. Sands, 91, of Mikado, passed away Monday, July 18, 2016 at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. Born November 18, 1924 to March A. and Viola (Myers) Sands in Mikado, he was a lifelong resident of the area. Leroy served in the US Navy during World War II. He worked artificially inseminating cows, and later took on a U.S. Postal route out of Lincoln. He was an avid baseball fan and player. He was a member of the American Legion, Oscoda Post #274, and the Barton City V.F.W. Post #8135, where he was past commander. Leroy loved his community, and served in as many capacities as he could. He was past president of the Mikado Area Development, and was on the Mikado Township Board of Review. He was a member and Past Master of the Alcona Lodge #292 F. & A.M., and previous Worthy Patron of the Lincoln O.E.S. #184, and a member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Bay City. He was a member of the Alpena Shrine Club. Leroy enjoyed playing cards, hunting, bowling and golf. On December 28, 1993, he married Betty Simpson, and together they owned and operated the Mikado Tavern. Leroy is survived by his wife, Betty, three daughters, Sheron (Roddy) Forsythe; Linda (Clifford) Deller; and Rita (Jesus Yruegras) Sands, two sons, Terry (Dianne) Sands; and Steve Stevens, two stepsons, Kevin Jeffrey Buehl and Joseph Buehl, 17 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren, his aunt Elaine Sands, and his sister-in-law, Helma Lee. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret (Westcott) on November 19, 1984, his stepson, Bobby Stevens, and two brothers, Darrel and Richard Sands. Mr. Sands is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where friends may call on Sunday, July 24, from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, July 25, from 10:00 A.M. until the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Char McGuire will officiate. Burial will be in Mikado Cemetery. Memorial Donations are suggested to Hospice of the Sunrise Shore. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leroy E. Sands, please visit our flower store.