Darrell Leeper

Darrell Morris Leeper, 68, of Fulton, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born on September 25, 1953, in Hermann, Missouri, to the late James and Alice Rosella (Schellhammer) Leeper. Darrell spent the last 12 years of his life loved and cared for by his wife and best friend, Teresa. Darrell loved nothing more than to spend time with his grandkids teaching them survival skills and how to be a kind but tough person in this unforgiving world. When he wasn't hunting, fishing, or spending time with the grandkids, he was exploring flea markets and gun shows with his wife, showing off his haggling skills. He loved good deals, good guns, and good food. He was well known in his hometown of Hermann as "Mountain" and around Family Pawn, where he worked many years, as "The Gun Guy." When he wasn't being called those nicknames, he was often referred to as the "Animal Whisperer" by his family. There wasn't a stray around that would run from him. One of his favorite stories to share was about the baby squirrel he rescued and carried around in his shirt pocket at work. His connection with nature and animals ran deep. One of his daughter Casie's fondest and earliest memories growing up was taking him lunches occasionally while he worked at Home Incorporated in Hermann. He was a man of strong work ethics and did his best to pass those lessons down to his children. Darrell held a strong grip to his convictions and how he wanted to live his life. He was an inspiration to those closest to him to never back down and always be true to yourself. He will be fondly remembered by his wife, Teresa; sister, Maryellen Leeper; children, Valerie, Casie, and Clinton Leeper (Sarah); step-sons, Criss Cole (Lora), and Justin Thurston; grandchildren, Logan Haddox, Eli Knuth, and Ryker Knuth, Kaleb Scheible, Konner Wright, Anna Wright, Wesson Leeper, and Michael Cole; and his dog, Jackson, and cat, Monkey; and the many friends he made. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim Leeper, Robert Leeper, and Greg Leeper; sisters, Javota Fulgum, Myrna Krattli, and Bonnie Wehmeyer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at First Pentacostal Church, 5th and Oak in Gasconade, Missouri, with Pastor Doug Keubler officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to Sam and Daisy Grabb Animal Shelter or St. Jude Children's Hospital, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.