Leroy Cobb, Sr.

April 30, 1930 - Dec. 19, 2019

SOUTH BEND, IN - Leroy Cobb Sr., 89, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, December 19.

He was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 30, 1930 to Essie Thompson and David Allen Cobb, Sr. He graduated from Central High School in 1948. On June 27, 1948 Leroy married Margaret Jean Smith. They were married 58 years and raised one son and five daughters.

In 1992, after 38 years of service, Leroy retired from Ameritech. He began his career there as a car washer and worked his way up through the ranks. He would always say, “the telephone company was good to me.”

Leroy loved taking photos and documented everything. These traits served him well as the minute taker for Better Homes of South Bend, Inc. As a result of being members of Better Homes, as well as through hard work, perseverance and faith, he and Margaret were able to realize their dream of homeownership on November 1, 1953. He was extremely proud to have the story of their journey told in the book Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage by Gabrielle Robinson. His contributions to the book were invaluable. In 2016, as the last surviving member of the program, Leroy was awarded the key to the city.

Leroy was a member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. He loved fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He often said, “God's been good to me. I've lived a good life. I've got no complaints.”

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Wanetta Carter and David Allen Cobb, Jr. and beloved wife Margaret. He is survived by: son Leroy Cobb Jr. of Edwardsburg, MI, daughter Victoria (Hamilton) Belcher of South Bend, daughter Valerie Barnett of Ellenwood, GA, daughter Beverly Reynolds (Michael Jones) of South Bend, daughter Diantha (Michael) Sutherland of Dallas, TX, daughter Vanessa (Craig) Forbes of South Bend; 17 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Lorraine Cobb of Hawthorne, CA and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins as well as friends. A special thank you to Center for Hospice Care, niece Linda Carter and Geralyn Bracey for the care they provided.

Services will be held at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one hour prior to services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Palmer Funeral Homes. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.