Le Roy (Le) Wilhelm, age 67, of Long Island City, NY, passed away September 25, 2013, after a short illness. Le was born June 6, 1946 in Galena, MO, to Ernest and Lucinda Wilhelm.

Le was a 1964 graduate of Galena High School. He later received Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Theatre and a Master’s Degree in Theatre from Missouri State University. From Florida State University he received a Master of Fine Arts in Directing. After moving to New York in 1984, Le founded Love Creek Productions. For the next 30 years he enjoyed a successful career as a playwright and director. Samuel French, publisher and license holder of theatrical scripts currently lists 25 titles written or contributed to by Mr. Wilhelm. The Department of Theatre & Dance at MSU has produced two of his scripts – Pie Supper and Found In the Garden — Fragments of Shrapnel.

Le is survived by one sister, Viola Bradford and Junior of Highlandville, MO; one nephew, Kenny and Donna Bradford, of Galena, MO; two great nephews; Matthew Bradford of Galena, and Dwayne and April Bradford; and one great-great niece, Kelsey Bradford of Highlandville, MO; Lifelong friends, George and Debbie Cron of Springfield, MO, were very dear to him. Close friend Steven Barrett of Long Island City, NY was with Le to the end. Through the years Le had helped many people with their careers and they had remained close to him.

Published in the News-Leader on September 29, 2013.
We also recommend the tribute “Prolific New York playwright drew from Ozarks roots” written by Larry T. Collins for the News-Leader.