Leroy Leslie Haney

Leroy "Leslie" Haney, 97 of Empire, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 31, 2012.

Leslie was born on September 8, 1915 in Birmingham, MI to the late Leroy E. and Flora Belle (Bentley) Haney. He married Elizabeth "Bette" I. Balsley on September 26, 1936 in Detroit, MI. They were married for an amazing 76 years.

Leslie worked in supervision for the iron and steel foundry industries for over 42 years. Eventually, Leslie became a consultant for the foundry industry. He was a member of the American Foundry Men's Society, a member of the Metropolitan Club of Southfield and served as a volunteer firefighter.

After his retirement in 1975, Leslie and Elizabeth, moved to Empire and fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams of owning his own farm. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Empire, a member of the Empire Lions Club and the RSVP's. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering in his garage and especially gardening at his farm.

Surviving Leslie is his wife Elizabeth, children, Kurt (Sue) Haney of Waterford, MI, Pamela Haney of Traverse City, 12 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, brothers, Donald (Lillian) Haney, Richard (Charlotte) Haney and many other loving family members and friends.

Leslie is preceded in death by his parents, son Allen Haney, granddaughter Colleen Haney, siblings, Edward, Alta, Margaret, Robert, Lloyd, Delbert, Velma and Carole.

Funeral services will be at 12:30 on Saturday, November 3, 2012 with a visitation one hour prior at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Burial will take place at the Empire Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Baptist Church of Empire.