Clarence LeRoy “Roy” McDermott, 88, of Sioux City died Sunday, March 2, 2014 at his home.
In keeping with Mr. McDermott’s wishes, the body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., at the Waterbury Funeral Home in Sgt. Bluff Iowa. The family will be present beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Roy, as he was known by all of his friends, was born January 25th, 1926 in Anthon, Iowa, the son of Clarence Lawrence, and Dora A. (Clausen) McDermott. He attended Anthon schools and graduated from Anthon High School with the class of 1944. He was an exceptional athlete playing football, basketball, and especially exceling at baseball, where he was the first baseman on a team that qualified for state several times and was the state runner up once. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the United States Army, to do his part for his country during World War II. After training he entered the medic corps, and eventually ended up serving in several different locations throughout Europe. His principal places of employment throughout his working career were, Clark Cattle Company, in Sioux City, Nan’s Hideaway in Salix Iowa, where with his personality and smart wit, made many lasting friends, the Farner-Bocken Company, located in Sioux City, and finally working with his son Randy, owner of McDermott Construction located in Salix IA until he “fully” retired.
He married Nancy-Lee Leaverton, on December 9th, 1950, in Elk Point, SD. Out of this union were born three children, two daughters, Marion LeAnn, and Judy Kay, and a son, Randy LeRoy. He also had a step- daughter Nanette Sue Still.
Roy enjoyed bowling, fishing, feeding the squirrels and birds, and boating on Browns Lake, with his family. One of his biggest joys later in life was caring for his many pets, none of which were more important, than his beloved dachshund “Honey” who was with him at the end.
Survivors include Nancy, daughters Marion (Thomas) Walsh, and Judy Hall, both of Sioux City, IA, son Randy (Lori) McDermott of Salix, IA, and step daughter Nanette (Ron) Routson of Bedias, Texas. Seven grandchildren, including Michelle (Walsh) Taylor, and Levi R. Hall, both of Sioux City, IA, Amy (Chris) Branch, and Matthew (Maria) Walsh, both of Kansas City, MO, Laurie Walsh of West Des Moines, IA, Angela (Ken) Drilling of Hampton, IA, and Ryan( Katelyn) McDermott of Omaha, NE. He also had two step-grandchildren, Matt Crain, and Sarah (Chad) Heckert of Salix, IA. He was also the proud great- grandfather of nine, Jaylen and Jacob Taylor, Braxton, Braylee, and Brooklynn Bayless, Jakob and Madison Drilling, Remington McDermott, and Shelby Jean, and three step-great-grandchildren Haylee, Hannah, and Hunter Heckert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Margaret, and her twin sister at birth, and a half brother and sister, Julius and Linda Huss.