God Sighting: 100 Gallons of Life-Saving Blood
“Saving lives is God’s work.”
Affectionately referred to as a “freak of nature,” by another long-standing Sheridan member, Leroy Virus considers this description endearing. Leroy lives on the go, knowing life is a precious thing, not to be wasted. And waste, Leroy does not! He won’t even waste one drop of blood, but instead has chosen to be a blood donor for more than 68 years! At the end of September 2025, Leroy was honored by the Lincoln Community Blood Bank for donating a whopping 100 gallons, securing his spot in the treasured 100 Gallon Club. He was presented with a plaque and honored at Yankee Hill Village, where he resides.
In 1959, at the age of 19, while working at O.P. Skaggs grocery store on 17th & Washington, Leroy’s manager asked if he would consider donating blood to a friend who was in the hospital. Leroy remembers, “it was a no-brainer.” Later, his son got him started on donating platelets which are mainly given to cancer and burn patients and are highly sought after, as they only last a week to 10 days. Once while Leroy was in the middle of donating platelets, a group of six people strolled into the Blood Bank to observe. When Leroy inquired about them, he discovered they all had been recipients of the life-saving gift of platelets and blood. This moment left an impact on Leroy who expresses his faith through his simple acts of service. “Saving lives is God’s work,” he shrugs humbly.
Leroy has lived a life of service to his family, friends, colleagues and faith community. Beginning in the grocery industry, and later migrating to Seward Motor Freight for over two decades, Leroy proved to be a leader. Seldom missing a day of work, Leroy credits his father and his farming roots for his strong work ethic. Retiring in 1998 as the executive vice president of Seward Motor Freight, Leroy did not stay idle. In 2001, on a whim, and out of pure enjoyment, Leroy applied to work in the produce department at Hyvee on 70th & Pioneers, where he is currently employed part-time. He values staying connected to the community through his work. In fact, Leroy was on the job when the Sheridan member knighted him with the title he chuckles at – “freak of nature.” Though no ‘freak’, Leroy’s tenacity for life runs through his veins.
When asked what advice Leroy would give to those considering donating blood, he simply stated, “Try it and see, but don’t look, you’ll feel it.” We encourage all those who are able to visit the Lincoln Community Blood Bank and donate as an act of faithful service to others.
By Callista Grover, Pastoral Care Associate