Verne E. Leeper

Verne E. Leeper 80, of rural Columbus passed away Sunday, August 31, 2008 at his home following a period of illness.
Verne was born June 9, 1928 in Marion, MO, the son of Verne C. and Nola (Matthew) Leeper. He graduated from Parsons High School and served in the US Army during the Korean War as an instructor for the Nike Missile Program. He married Frances Darlene Scott of Columbus on Nov. 20, 1951. Verne farmed north of Columbus and had a passion for watching things grow from the dirt. He was a devoted husband who loved his family, doted on his grandchildren and enjoyed family music and activities. He was a leader for the Sheridan 4-H Club, Cherokee County Project Leader, Cherokee County Farm Bureau Board Member and School Board 247 Member. Verne was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters; Kathleen Wade and Lois Taylor and is survived by his wife of the farm; 3 sons: Verne A. Leeper of the farm, Scott M. Leeper and wife Joy of Pittsburg, KS, James B. Leeper and wife Jennifer of the farm; a daughter, Kathy L. Leeper of Joplin, MO; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a sister Gail Campbell of Joplin, MO.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 4, 2008 in the Murdock Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Edgmand Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-8 P.M. Wednesday. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Hospice or the Cherokee County 4-H Clubs with the Murdock Funeral home, 132 E. Pine, Columbus, KS 66725 serving as custodian.