LeRoy B. "Buster" Mackey, 85, Minot, formerly of the Devils Lake area, died Wednesday, June 16, 2010 in a Minot Nursing Home.

LeRoy was born March 5, 1925 at Hampden, North Dakota the son of Russell and Lotti (Haugan) Mackey. He was raised and educated at Hampden and graduated from High School there in 1943. He entered into active duty with the U.S. Army in 1943 and honorably served his country during World War II, until receiving his medical discharge in May of 1952.

LeRoy was united in marriage to Helen Berg on October 16, 1953 at Devils Lake. They made their home in Devils Lake, where he was employed with Berg Carpet and Linoleum installation. In 1961, they moved to Greeley, CO for a short time, before coming to Minot in 1963. LeRoy was employed locally at I Keating Furniture World from 1963-1976 as an inventory/stock control manager. In 1976, he became co-owner of the Bath and Bedroom Shop at Town & Country Center, which he operated until 1986. In 1986, he served as manager for I Keating in their Floor/Wall Division, working there until retiring in 1994. After retirement, he worked part-time at Sears in stock control.

LeRoy was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church, Minot. He was also a member of the Minot Elks Lodge #1089 and Eagles Aerie. He was a former member of the Minot American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, doing lawn care, woodworking, golfing, traveling, especially to their lake home at Metigoshe.

His loving family includes : wife of over fifty-six years, Helen; daughter, Becky (Jeffrey) Johnson, Warner-Robins, GA, son, Jimmy (Lois) Mackey, Minot; grandchildren, Brandon & Matthew Mackey, Jacqueline & Jacob Johnson; half-brothers, Vernon Mackey of Texas, Doug Holt, Minneapolis, MN, half-sister, Phyllis Schalesky, Buffalo, SD; numerous nephews and nieces.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Lois Engelhard and Marilyn Berg.

Funeral service: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Graveside service: Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Devils Lake City Cemetery.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church or the Stave Church of the Scandinavian Heritage Park, or Cancer Care Center, all Minot.