Leonard Yowell Obituary

Leonard LeRoy Yowell, a lifelong resident and devoted public servant of Lincoln County, Colorado, passed away on June 28, 2025, in Hugo, Colorado, at the age of 84.
Born on March 26, 1941, in Boyero, Colorado, to Lucille (Vick) and LeRoy Leonard Yowell, LeRoy was raised in the close-knit ranching community of Boyero. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade before graduating from Hugo High School. Even as a young man, LeRoy's determination and spirit shone through- changing out of his bib overalls into jeans he had hidden under a bridge, just to feel more confident walking into school.
On June 15, 1959, he married Joyce (Nicks) Yowell. Together, they had four children: Alan, Gary, Lynn, and a baby daughter who preceded him in death.
LeRoy held a variety of jobs in his early years, including work for Bernard Construction in Ada, Oklahoma, and later for the Town of Hugo, where he performed street maintenance until he became Town Marshal by night. In 1973, while working at Gambles, he ran for Lincoln County Sheriff and was elected in 1974. He went on to serve faithfully in that role for 33 years, retiring in 2007. During his tenure, he dealt with everything from local mischief to major criminal investigations. Notably, he played a key role in 1975 in helping locate the shooter of Colorado State Patrol Trooper Michael James and led investigations into the infamous cattle mutilations that gained national attention. Even after retiring, LeRoy continued his service, returning in 2009 as courthouse security-proof that he could never quite walk away from protecting his community.
The role of sheriff was truly a family affair. The Yowell family home was connected to the Lincoln County Jail, and every member of the household played a part-booking inmates, cooking meals, answering phones, and keeping the operation running. LeRoy was especially proud to have served alongside two of his sons: Alan as his undersheriff, and Lynn as a patrolman, sergeant, and later, Chief of Police in Limon. His pride continued with the next generation: his grandson Michael now serves as a Captain in the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Tyler is a police officer in Castle Rock, and Shonda works for the District Attorney's office.
Alongside law enforcement, LeRoy also had a deep passion for ranching. In 1973, he purchased a small ranch south of Hugo, where he raised cattle-a love he passed on to his son Gary and grandson Grant. LeRoy cherished the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He shared that love with his sons, making annual trips to Taylor Park in Gunnison, Colorado-traditions they continue to honor today.
In 1989, LeRoy married Cynthia Jeannett Steinke and welcomed a stepson, Derek Scott Olson, into the family. LeRoy and Cynthia shared many adventures-attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, traveling with the Arapahoe Sam's Camping Club, and celebrating his birthday with annual trips to Cripple Creek or Black Hawk, where he never spent more than $150.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Baby Yowell; his son, Alan Yowell; his sisters, Darelene Reynolds and Bessie Revello; and his daughter-in-law, Janette Yowell.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Yowell of Hugo; his brother, Vernon (Erika) Yowell of Germany; and his sons Gary (Marguerite) Yowell of Hugo and Lynn (Lisa) Yowell of Limon. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Michael (Liz) Yowell of Hugo; Amie (Lucas) Albrecht of North Platte, NE; Tyler (Torry) Yowell of Elizabeth; Katelyn (Nathan) Wiegert of Limon; Dilan (Stephanie) Yowell of San Antonio, TX; Shonda Yowell of Hugo; Grant Yowell of Hugo; and Rachel (Stephen) Van Dyke of Fountain, CO. He is also survived by his stepson, Derek Olson, and step-grandchildren Zachary Brian Bradley Wilson and Gabriel Marcus Olson.
LeRoy was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Mason Yowell; Brenleigh, Tanner, and Trey Albrecht; Olivia, Trace, and Karter Yowell; Taylie and Blaine Wiegert,; Kooper Yowell; Ashlynn Boswell; and Tyson Lacy.
LeRoy Yowell leaves behind a legacy of public service and dedication to helping others. A life well spent and a community left better than he found it.
Memorial contributions should be made to the LeRoy Yowell Memorial Fund in care of the First National Bank in Hugo.
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