Leon Cecil Epps, Jr.

Leon Cecil Epps, Jr., age 67, of Linn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia surrounded by his family.

Leon was born on February 25, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa, a son to the late Leon Epps, Sr., and Margaret (Otto) Epps.   His mother survives in Lebanon.

Leon was a 1976 graduate of Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Iowa.  

On June 28, 1980, he was united in marriage to Darla Wolfe at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Judge.  Darla survives at their residence.  

Leon started working in a sawmill, later at Haviland Corporation in Linn making squeegee, was a mechanic at T.K.’s Service Station in Loose Creek and later went to work for the Department of Public Safety at the Missouri National Guard in Jefferson City doing building maintenance for 20 years before retiring in 2013, due to his declining health.   

Leon attended Solid Rock Baptist Church in Judge.  He was a former member of the Osage Trail Riders.  He volunteered his time helping the Stream Team for the Department of Conservation, the Linn Lions Club with the annual county fair, and playing Santa for the Osage County Caring Projects and the Linn Christmas Prade.  

Leon enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to auctions, and antique shops.  He loved to visit with people, making numerous friends along the way.   He would always help anyone he could.   His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and his best friend, Charlie Frank. 

In addition to his mother and spouse of 43 years, Leon is survived by two sons, Jeremy Epps of Linn and Jarad Epps and his fiancée Kaitlynn of Linn; ten grandchildren, Landon Epps, Alison Epps, Hadley Epps, Lauren Hawkins, Laniey Leibrecht, Logan Leibrecht, Gabriel Estes, Gavin Cloud, Lane Cloud and Nora Branstetter; one brother, Terry Epps and his wife Jean of Birchwood, TN.; four sisters, Linda Evans of Lebanon, Lori Hebron of Des Moines, IA., Tracy McKenney of Lebanon and Trudy O’Dell and her husband Scott of Lebanon; his mother-in-law, Cartelia Wolfe of Linn; three brothers-in-law, Dwayne Wolfe of California, Darrell Wolfe and his friend Tammy of St. Louis and Dustin Wolfe and his wife Rachel of St. Louis; one sister-in-law, Debra McKinney and her husband Tom of Booneville; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.  

In addition to his father, Leon was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Jerry Wolfe. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Morton Chapel in Linn with a Funeral Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Troy Sousa and Rev. Perry Wolfe officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Solid Rock Cemetery in Judge.  

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Solid Rock Baptist Church or Solid Rock Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)

www.mortonchapel.com