Justin Robert Peppmeier of Rogersville, Missouri was born on September 28, 1988 and had his faith become sight on Friday, November 26 after a sudden car accident while driving home from work.  The sudden nature of his death brought shock and sadness but was intermixed with his faith and trust in Jesus.  Oh, how we’ll miss you Justin but know you’re finally home.

Justin is survived by his wife Laura Peppmeier; his mother, Robin Tourville, and her husband Darren, sisters Makenna, Madison and Mollie Tourville and brothers Jaxson and Jace Tourville.  Grandparents Raymond and Julie Peppmeier, Jim and Sandra Lynchard, and Larry Tourville.  As well as aunts and uncles, cousins, and several close friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Peppmeier, grandmother Janice Fink and some good friends.  To be reunited with them now is a great comfort to many.

Iowa was the state of Justin’s birth and he lived there through the first half of first grade.  His mother and father moved to Springfield, Missouri and Justin started school and made Missouri home for the rest of his life.  A significant event after his salvation was his baptism along with Robin on the same day at First Baptist Ozark.  The endearing quality that people remember most was his friendliness and way he liked to be with others.  This shown through most vividly with his welcoming of 5 siblings adopted from China which ended him being an only child at 13.  He finally had siblings to dote on. He loved all sports while growing up and played just about all of them.  Soccer, roller hockey, baseball, basketball, football, and tennis.  He ended up making state as a tennis player at Ozark High school and was a motivating force behind three of his siblings playing tennis for Ozark.  He even found time when Makenna and Madison were little to show them off around Ozark and wasn’t beyond using them as a “chick magnet” to attract girls.

The seminal event while growing up was the death of his father at the age of 12. This naturally shook Justin, but he stayed active in sports and school and his family and friends rallied around him.   Church was also a comfort to Justin and several Christian friends helped support him. Bob’s death would impact Justin in various ways for the next 21 years.  Losing a parent at such a   formidable age isn’t easy.

Especially in that latter years of high school and some of the years proceeding high school Justin struggled.  This struggle took the form of addiction and Justin went through periods of deep pain and trying to find his way.  All along his family, friends, and faith supported him and tried to help the best way possible.  Justin went through various treatments and support, but nothing seemed to stick.  Robin was a rock during this time and helped Justin immensely.  They had a special bond.

After a particular rough patch, Justin spent over an entire year in treatment through Adult and Teen Challenge.  This place was God sent and saved Justin’s life.  He developed many friendships during this time especially with Kyle Kozlowski who remained his best friend throughout.  They served as not only best friends but brothers really and helped each other navigate on a day-to-day basis.  Justin loved you Kyle and you meant so much to him.

In many ways Justin found his way when he found Laura.  His struggle became a little lighter having someone to share it with.  She was dealing with her own pain after the loss of her first husband.  Their friendship started slowly and blossomed and grew and was beautiful to see and experience.  They brought out the best in each other and knew the pains both carried with loss and grief and were extra sensitive in that way.  Justin proposed on vacation at Folly Beach, SC in 2019 and they were married a year later on September 13, 2020.  Even though their marriage was short it was very meaningful and a healing of sorts for both.  In recent months a trip to the Smoky Mountains for a fall vacation and a Chief/Cowboys game in Kansas City were highlights.  Please continue your prayers/support of Laura as she moves forward without Justin.

The last person Justin talked to on this earth was Laura as that was fitting.  He was on his way home after a long day at work from a newer job that he loved, and they were making dinner plans and had other weekend activities.  Life was good.  They ended their conversation with the three words they had said countless times before.  I love you.

A few brief minutes later Justin made it home.  Just not that expected home that he shared with Laura.  But an eternal home prepared and waiting for him.  He is free!  He is loved completely! Hallelujah!

“I know the road you walked was anything but easy

You picked up your share of scars along the way

Oh, but now you’re standing in the sun, you’ve fought

your fight and your race is won

The pain is all a million miles away.”

             Scars in Heaven, Casting Crowns

A celebration of Justin’s life will be 11 am,  Saturday, December 11, 2021  at Riverbluff Fellowship in Ozark, Missouri.  Good family friend and Pastor Scott Watson officiating.  As Justin loved sports and especially the Cardinals/Dolphins/Chiefs/Golf/Blues please feel free to wear your favorite sports shirt/jersey.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Adult and Teen Challenge of the Fours States in Justin’s honor.  www.tc4s.org