Leroy McGinnis

Leroy McGinnis of Cuba, Missouri was born on October 30, 1928, in Gainesville, Missouri to Alvie and Callie (Crawford) McGinnis. He left this life surrounded by his family at his home on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the age of 95.

Leroy was united in marriage to Ovia Marie Crisp on March 10, 1950, in Salem, Arkansas. To this union six children were born Patricia, Jack, Don, Kimmie, Renee and Michele.

Leroy honorably served his country in United States Navy. He founded McGinnis Wood Products in Cuba, Missouri in 1968. He started with a stave mill, producing staves and heading to sell to cooperages. Over the past 56 years, MWP has grown into a manufacturer of one of the finest crafted white oak barrels in the world. MWP began building barrels in 1987. After multiple tests, MWP established a drying process that makes their barrels stand out in the industry. MWP now has one of the largest inventories of airdried staves and heading. With 5 manufacturing buildings in Cuba, Mo. They range from 8,000 to 45,000 square ft. of space. 10 dry kilns and 200 dedicated employees. The offsite facility has 2 manufacturing buildings employing 35 dedicated employees. 

McGinnis Wood Products is known worldwide for quality white oak barrels. The barrels that are produced are prized both domestically and internationally providing unique flavors created for spirits, wine, and whiskey.

Leroy has passed his knowledge down to his family. They take great pride in continuing this business. McGinnis Wood Products is a true family-owned operation, built upon strong traditional family values, customer relationships, community investment and the value of education. 

Leroy was a pillar of our community; he served on the board of directors for Peoples Bank. He and Ovia Marie always gave back to the community. He was a longtime dedicated member of the Church of Christ. Leroy’s love and dedication to his beloved Ovia Marie and their family was second to none. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of seventy-two years Ovia Marie McGinnis; two sons Jack McGinnis and Kimmie “Mac” McGinnis; six siblings Helen Smith, Rebecca Estes, Jack “AJ” McGinnis, Billie Hightower, Bobby McGinnis and Ronnie McGinnis.

Those who are left to treasure his memory and to continue his are his four children Pat (Bob) Bell of Cuba, Don (Tina) McGinnis of Cuba, Renee (Ed) Bowen of Cuba, Michele (Kevin) Harmon of Salem; two daughters-in-law Diana McGinnis of Springfield and Edna McGinnis of Cuba; He will also be sadly missed by his eighteen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many dear friends including his employees and beloved church family at the Church of Christ in Cuba, Missouri.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ 81 Merri Hills Dr. @ Hwy. 19, Cuba, Missouri.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, 3:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ.

Inurnment will be held privately at a later date at Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to Little Prairie Bible Camp P.O. Box 251, Rolla, Missouri 65402 or Dawt Church of Christ 316 County Road 571, Udall, Missouri 65766.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the family of Leroy McGinnis.