Leroy was born on May 29, 1941 in Tama, Iowa. His passing came on June 25, 2026 at Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. A fast onset, furious and massive stroke took his life at age 85. At his bedside was Lois his wife of almost 64 years, and daughter Carrie Lee. Son Jeffrey was stranded in the Denver airport overnight. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Verna Kellogg of Tama, Iowa; and an older brother Larry and his wife Beverly of West Des Moines, Iowa. Surviving him are his wife Lois, son Jeffrey Darwin Kellogg, his wife Mary and their son Zachary Darwin Kellogg of Salt Lake City, Utah and Zachary’s fiancé Emily Pavasars; daughter Carrie Lee Kellogg and her husband Neal Paton, and their daughter Catarina Lee Kellogg Paton of Mission Viejo, California; many nieces and nephews; 2 sister-in-laws and a brother-in-law, A. Marie Keller, Marlene Williams and Raymond Willams of Brooklyn, Iowa. Leroy’s ancestors immigrated to America from Sussex England in 1637 to call Connecticut and Massachusetts home. Leroy was a 14th generation Kellogg in America.
Leroy’s 43-year career in the Telephony industry took him throughout Iowa and Kansas including 5 years in Puerto Rico. His first employment was with Kellogg Switchboard and Supply. It was I.T.T. (International Telephone and Telegraph) that took him to Puerto Rico. He returned to Iowa with the United Telephone Company which became Sprint, bought out by T-Mobile. He was a Senior manager of standards and engineering at the National Headquarters in Mission, Kansas at retirement.
Everybody loved Leroy! He loved his family, many, many friends and time spent with each. He played Bridge with multiple couples and a men’s Bridge group. His Bridge companions referred to him as “Mr. 3 No-trump”. Many hours were spent putting together puzzles. He liked 1,000 pieces or greater of nature, animals and wildlife. Board games were competitively shared with family and friends. Tarvel included all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. Family ski trips were taken 10 years in a row. Leroy loved to play golf with membership in Country Clubs and other venues. The family was an avid golf “foursome”. He had the opportunity to attend the Masters 5 times, and may US Opens and other prominent golf tournaments.
He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity weekly for 18 years, and he was the church crew coordinator. He did may community and neighborhood service projects. Leroy was always pleased to provide handy-man help to family and friends.
Leroy and Lois ushered for the Kansas City Symphony for 5 years. He loved music and made the “State Choir” as a high school freshman. Broadway hits were a favorite. He was President of the Little Theatre in Newton, Iowa. Living in New Hampton, Iowa he was President of the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.
It was an annual tradition for 50 years to pheasant hunt in Iowa. The group included his son and daughter and became 3 generations of hunters. Family and a few friends also joined. His pleasure around horses began as a youth.
Leroy was a member of the Lutheran Church and later in life was quite active as a Methodist.
The family wishes to express thank you’s for his final hours of care under Saint Luke’s South Hospice. They are a very loving and kind staff of professionals. Brandon, the music therapist overwhelmingly hit the spot with his selections. He was gifted and appreciated. Megan walked us to the car helping as we departed the hospital.
Donations to Habitat for Humanity of Kansas in Leroy’s memory would be his choice.
Habitat for Humanity of Kansas
1423 E Linwood Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64109
In Memory of Leroy D. Kellogg
Burial will be at a later time in the Little Mount Baptist Cemetery near Montezuma, Iowa where a headstone awaits. The original land and church were gifted by Lois’s family homesteading in the area.
God blessed us all with Leroy’s life. Leroy is and will be greatly missed.
