Joseph Maurice Leppard
May 24, 1932 ~ August 8, 2022
Joseph Maurice Leppard, of Elkhart, Texas, a Catholic priest, and teacher, passed into the peace of the Lord on Monday, the 8th day of August 2022, at Palestine Regional Medical Center. Best known as "Father Joe", was born in Louisiana on the 24th day of May 1932. He was 90 years of age when the Lord called him home.
Father Joe was a loving man. He was a well-loved priest and filled-in at various churches around East Texas. Along the way in life, he made many friendships and won many souls to Christ by preaching the word.
He had a soft heart for animals which did not go unnoticed, especially when it came to rescuing animals. He was particularly fond of goats and dogs and would go the extra mile to find animals a good home. Father Joe lived a life of purpose, full of love, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Arthur Leppard, Sr. and Mary Martin Bowles; brothers, John Arthur Leppard, Jr., and Thomas Choice Leppard; sister-in-law, Jodie Leppard; and his brother-in-law, Jay Fuller.
Father Joe leaves behind his sister, Gay Fuller; brother, Jeffery L. Leppard; sisters-in-law, Geneva Leppard and Gerry Leppard, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to celebrate the life of Father Joe on Saturday, the 8th day of October, 2022, at St. Francis of the Tejas Catholic Church, 609 N. Fourth Street, in Crockett, Texas, where a Recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at 9:30 a.m.
Immediately following, a Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at 10:00 a.m., where Pastor Selvaraj Sinnappan is to officiate.
Cremation services for Joseph Maurice Leppard are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
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Father Joe was a very unique person and a friend. Even though he was Catholic and I, a protestant Assembly of God we met and visited on the same level. We had many, many visits over the years, and I miss not getting to do so as often in the last few years. We shared many conversations and even though we were of different faiths, we agreed on many subjects of faith. Even though he has reached his reward now, I will miss the fact that he is not on this earth. Father Joe was my friend. Condolences to his family and especially to his sister Gay Fuller.
Father Joe was a favorite customer at the store, always a pleasure to visit with and had a kind word for everyone, we will miss his kind spirit, God bless Father Joe Leppard.
Fr Joe had been a comfort and friend to our family for 30 tears. He always took care of others before himself. we know he is at peace in Heaven and has no more pain.
Kathy Hunter Castillo
Longview, Tx
God bless this extraordinary man! Such a selfless soul who was always a special friend and spiritual mentor to our family. So many wonderful memories. His passing leaves a void in our hearts. May he rest in blessed peace
Father Joe was and still is an inspiration to mankind. He was always about you, not himself. He was a giver, not a taker. He comforted our family with his prayers and his wisdom. Father Joe was always there for us when we faced critical illness.
On a happier note, he loved his Fighting Irish and was faithful to his Alma Mater.
We learned much from Father Joe. We learned about loving your neighbor and showing compassion for those less fortunate.
There is a special place in heaven for Father Joe, no doubt. We are thankful to have known him.
Loretta and Tommy Lloyd