LeRoy Epps, 75, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by his immediate family. LeRoy was born on September 19, 1942 in Niles, California, the son of Reva and Vernon Epps. He grew up in and around Des Moines, Iowa. After high school LeRoy was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Communications Specialist during his deployment in Vietnam. On July 2, 1966 LeRoy married Darlene Frances Kosman and to their union four children were born. LeRoy moved his family to Paton, Iowa in 1973 then to Springfield in 1986 where he worked for the Developmental Center of the Ozarks as the Maintenance Supervisor until his retirement in 2004. Darlene passed away on July 20, 2011 following her courageous battle against cancer. Darlene was LeRoy’s life-long love and he missed her dearly after her passing.

LeRoy is survived by his four children and their spouses: Christopher and Milissa Epps of Glendale, Arizona; Lisa and David Kean of Ozark, Missouri; Mark and Julia Epps of Springfield and Vincent and Alicia Epps of Fairfield, Ohio; his nine grandchildren: Brett Epps, Riley Todd, Zachary Epps, Anna Epps, Nathaniel Kean, Lydia Epps, Andrew Kean, Joel Epps and Ava Epps; his two brothers and their spouses: Leon and Margaret Epps of Lebanon, Missouri and Danny and Delores Epps of Jefferson City, Missouri; and his sister and her spouse: Sharon and Ralph Ellsworth of Des Moines. LeRoy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years Darlene; his parents and a sister, Erlene Smith, and his infant brother Ronnie Epps.

LeRoy took great pride and interest in the activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, but also enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including home improvement, vehicle restoration, attending auctions and swap meets, flea marketing, and furniture refinishing to name a few. LeRoy always had a project to work on and had a knack for repairing and refurbishing thrown-out items to make them useful again.

Interment with full military honors will take place at the Springfield Veterans Cemetery’s committal shelter at 5201 S. Southwood Rd. on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A family meal will be provided at James River Church, 6100 N. 19th St., Ozark, Missouri immediately following the service. Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield followed by a family and friends celebration of LeRoy’s life at the Epps residence in north Springfield. Please call Greenlawn Funeral Home North at 417-833-1111 for directions and additional information. In lieu of flowers, LeRoy’s family requests tribute donations be made in his name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3404, 1136 E. Atlantic in Springfield or online at: www.heroes.vfw.org.