LeRoy Vincent Velasquez was born on September 3, 1929 in La Jara, Colorado and attended La Jara schools all 12 years. He was an outstanding high school athlete. He played on the championship 6 man football team that took the San Luis Valley Championship in 1947. He was also an accomplished bowler. LeRoy attended Adams State College where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration. He was a Veteran and served during the Korean War and was assigned to the first guided missile study at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He participated in the earliest research done with regard to guided missiles. LeRoy was civic minded and served on the La Jara Town Board for 14 years. He also served as Mayor of La Jara for a brief time. He was Chairman of the Board for Conejos County Commissioners and was instrumental in the construction of several bridges, a nurses building and a daycare center that are still in operation today. He participated in the early design of the Conejos County Jail that was completed shortly after his tenure expired. While employed under the auspices of Adams State College program for rural Development, he wrote some of the first grants for self-help housing in the San Luis Valley. LeRoy gained many friends throughout his life and enjoyed time with his family. He was also a very gifted and talented artist. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, raising cats and dogs.

Survivors include his nieces, nephews and friends.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Elena and Meliton Velasquez, sisters Reinalda Garcia, Rebecca Romero, Celestina Gonzales, Ruth Chavez, one brother Meliton “Tony” Velasquez Jr.

Cremation was chosen and a Graveside Service will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the La Jara Cemetery with full military honors. To leave online condolences please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The family of LeRoy would also like to thank Dr. Clint Sowards, staff at the Rio Grande Inn, Conejos County Hospital and San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center staff, particularly in the I.C.U. as well as all others who helped with LeRoy’s care in any way. The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.