Richard Leroy Lepper, 86, died Friday, June 5, 2026, at Norman Veteran’s Center in Norman, Okla.

He was born Nov. 11, 1939 to Willard and Ula (Robertson) Lepper. 

He graduated from Plains High School.

He married Carolyn Sue Pearce May 14, 1997. She survives.

He was a lifelong member of the VFW.  He joined the United States Army in 1957, where he rose to the rank of SP4.  During his service, he trained at the White Sands Missile Range, and then served in Germany. He was Honorably Discharged in 1963.

He then went to work as a mechanic and specialized in transmissions and then got certified in eight categories. 

He worked for International Harvester, the John Deere Dealership in Plains, Per Hoel Ford, and Chrysler Corner during his career.

Survivors also include sons: Richard “Rich” Lepper Jr and wife, Kaaren, Kim Blakeley and wife, Shona, and David Patton and wife, Susie; daughters Terri Joy, and Debra Brown and husband, Eugene; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marian; and brother, Bruce

• Funeral services will be at 10 am. Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Hornung Family Funeral Home at 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal, with Reverend Rex Petty presiding.

Burial will follow at Moscow Cemetery, with Military Honors by the United States Army. 

Memorials are suggested to the Lane Day VFW Post 3166 or Alzheimer’s Association in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.