In Memory of: Michael Lennox
5/29/64 --- 3/21/2024
Mr. Michael Dean Lenox, 59 a distinguished veteran and esteemed member the community, passed away on March 21, 2024, at his home in Temple, Texas. He was born on May 29, 1964, in Canoga Park, California.
Mr. Lenox's commitment to serving his country extended to his military service in the United States Navy, where he served as a Basic Auxiliary Equipment Technician and later transitioned into roles such as Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator and Scuba Diver. His dedicated service earned him several medals and accolades, including the Navy Commendation Medal and the National Defense Medal.
Throughout his life, Mr. Lenox led a multifaceted career journey, starting as a loan officer before venturing into real estate. He notably owned the Salad Station restaurant in Port Angeles and was a former owner of Relax Station. Additionally, he was the proud founder of Chess Vets and held membership in various prestigious organizations such as the Marine Corp Detachment and the VFW Post #1820.
Described as stubborn yet kind-hearted, opinionated yet giving, Mr. Lenox deeply valued his friendships and always sought opportunities to assist others with intentionality and compassion. His love for diving and chess was only overshadowed by his passion for supporting fellow veterans.
Among his proudest accomplishments was his marriage to the love of his life, Lia (Lee) Lenox, in 1999. Together, they shared a beautiful Hawaiian wedding and spent 25 years creating cherished memories.
Mr. Michael Dean Lenox is survived by his devoted wife Lia (Lee) Lenox; brothers Allan Emmons and John Woolbright; sisters Donna (Jim) Baither and Barbora (Bob) Larson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vicki Woolbright, and Robert Woolbright.
Visitation services to honor Mr. Lenox's life will be held at Young's Daughters Funeral Home & Bereavement Center in Temple on April 2nd from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM followed by a Testimony hour beginning at 7:00 pm Graveside service will be held at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on April 4th at 2:00 PM. with Rev. William A. Sterling officiating.
In remembrance of a remarkable individual whose legacy will forever resonate within the hearts of those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to the Marine Corp Detachment Po Box 1281 Temple, TX 76503.
Arrangements are under the direction of Comrade, Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home & Bereavement Center.
Our chapter is very grateful for the work Michael did with Veterans and Chess for Vets. We appreciate what he did for the Veterans of PVA Vaughan Chapter by bringing the game of chess to our Veterans and those of the Hines VA Hospital. We here hope to carry on Michael's legacy by implementing a similar program at the Hines VA hospital hoping to continue building on the work of bringing chess to Veterans that Michael, through his immense compassion for Veterans and love for the game of chess started.
Rest in peace. (condolence cards can be sent to the VPVA office and will be compiled and sent to Michael's wife Lia")
Vaughan Chapter PVA,
2235 Enterprise Drive Suite 3501
Westchester, IL 60154.
In Memory of: Juan Hrobowski
6/24/63 --- 7/3/2021
Juan Leonard Hrobowski, age 58, of Social Circle, GA, passed away on July 3, 2021. Mr. Hrobowski was born in Chicago, IL, on June 24, 1963, to Annie James Hrobowski and the late L.S. Hrobowski. He was (as he often said) "the landlord's son" and could create or fix anything he put his hands on.
He spent his entire working career at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL., where he worked as a Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Tech making wheelchairs for veterans. The essential part of creating mobile chairs was making sure that the chair matched the person and their personality. His goal was to ensure that everyone was happy and able to do whatever it was that they wanted to do - from their chair. Only then was he satisfied. He retired from Hines on July 31, 2019.
Surviving members of his immediate family are his wife, Cynthia (Hunt) Hrobowski; mother, Annie Birdean (James) Hrobowski; brother, Kenneth Sampson; and nephew, Brandon Sampson; a family circle that included Lee (Sherry) Hrobowski, Derek (Marcie) Flowers, Ray Hrobowski, and Alvin (Lavera) Ware; along with a multitude of friends and extended family members numbering in the hundreds who loved him dearly...every single one near and dear to his heart.
Juan was introduced to horses by his maternal grandfather as a young child. He would visit his grandparents on the farm in Mississippi mucking stalls, brushing, feeding, and finally riding the horses. While he loved everything horse-related, he was appalled by the chickens, so much so that growing into adulthood, he refused to eat "anything with wings." Beef, seafood, and french fries with Jameson on the side were a staple!
As he loved horses so much, he eventually was lead to rodeo. He had a passion for and loved his many years of steer wrestling/bulldogging. Juan had an entire rodeo family that was just as close to him as his blood relatives. He loved them as much as they loved him. So much so that he toured the circuits actively steer wrestling, watching, teaching, or training. When he retired from the rodeo, he continued in any role where he was wanted or needed. He would train horses, lend a hand, train barrel racers, and impart wisdom with answers to any question. If he didn't know the answer, he would research to the point of exhaustion - guaranteed to have an answer by the next discussion.
To quote his mother, "Juan is just like his father L.S.; he never met a stranger." Everyone was a friend who most often would become family to him.
In 1980, Juan met Cynthia (Chee) at Proviso East High School. His retelling is, "I walked into the room, she turned around & smiled. That did it for me."
Life intervened, and they went their separate ways. However, in 2009, they reconnected via Facebook, and their love story began...again! They married in 2017 in an intimate civil service, and Juan joined his wife in Georgia following his retirement from Hines. Together, they lived a good life in Lawrenceville until recently moving to Social Circle, GA to carry out his dream of creating a small farm with their horses, a few cattle, goats . . . much to his annoyance, chickens for Chee.
"When I think of Juan, I see his spirit. I see his love for his mother, family, friends, horses, and Rottweilers. I feel his love for me. I want everyone to remember him as he was - a true man's man with a heart of gold.
Rest in peace. (condolence cards can be sent to the VPVA office and will be compiled and sent to Juan's wife Cynthia")
Vaughan Chapter PVA,
2235 Enterprise Drive Suite 3501
Westchester, IL 60154.
The passing of Darryl Urchel, Past President, BOD Member of our Vaughan Chapter PVA.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations to Vaughan Chapter PVA be sent to his sister;
Ms. Diane Domenico
13612 S. Doonaree Circle
Homer Glenn, IL 60491
On behalf of his family, his sister Diane would like to acknowledge and thank those who donate to the Vaughan Chapter before sending the donations to our office in Westchester, IL. The family thanks all of you who were good friends of Darryl and enjoyed his sense of humor in spite of his injury. Words of sentiment can be left at the funeral home website.
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