Leroy Carver

Leroy Carver, 83, of Woodway, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord, Friday, March 26, 2010.

A service celebrating Leroy's life and homecoming will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 29, in the Highland Baptist Church Chapel, 3014 Maple Ave, Waco, followed by a reception to greet the family in the fellowship hall. OakCrest Funeral Home will be coordinating the services. There will be a private graveside service preceding the service.

Leroy was born Oct. 13, 1926, to Roy and Stella Carver and grew up in Amarillo. He graduated early from high school and was drafted to be in the army at the age of 18 in 1944 where he served in Italy.

He attended Abilene Christian University from 1946 to 1950, majoring in Religious Education before pursuing his Master's degree at New Mexico University. It was at Abilene Christian University where he met the love of his life, Rose Marie Koehler. On their first date, it was snowing and after walking her to the door, he turned around and slipped on the ice, falling flat on his back; he told her later "I fell for you on our very first date!" He served as Youth Minister, Minister of Education, Song Leader and Pulpit Preacher for churches in Whitharral, Texas, Wichita, Kan., Abilene, Texas, and Temple, before partnering with his wife to open Young World Daycare Center in Temple in 1972. Young World became a life changing school for hundreds of children. They retired in 1997.

Leroy, "Paw Paw," is remembered by his grandchildren for his patience, his love of music, selflessness, his ability to make everyone feel special and be their friend, his devotion to his wife, "Maw Maw," and his family, his love and devotion to God, his integrity, knowledge of the Bible, insight into life, as a prayer warrior, for being tenderhearted, making everyone smile, always in a good mood, never saying anything bad about anyone, his faith, and being an example of Christ to us all. He will surely be one of the greeters in heaven.

Family members who went to be with the Lord preceding Leroy are his parents, Roy and Stella Carver; brother, Jay Carver; and sister, Stella Sherwood.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Carver; his brother, Charles Carver; sister, Fern Chester; son, Kim Carver and wife, Rhonda, of Evergreen, Colo.; daughters, Kaye Tseng and husband, Steve, of College Station, and Karen Rhodes and husband, Gary, of Waco; grandchildren, Matt and Mandy Carver of Evergreen, Colo., Jared, Hayley, Colin and Kelsey Tseng of College Station, and Christopher and Annie Rhodes of Waco; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Scott and White Hospital staff, especially Dr. Mott, Dr. Mudassar, and the hospice staff for their kindness and care.

Memorials may be made to the Highland Baptist Music Department at Highland Baptist Church, 3014 Maple Ave, Waco, TX or to the charity of your choice. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15