Thomas A. ‘Tom’ Lepper
Thomas A. ‘Tom’ Lepper, age 50, of Quincy, died on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in his home. He was born on February 12, 1974, a son of Kent and Angela (Bichsel) Lepper. They both survive. Tom married Sara McDowell on November 7, 1998. She also survives. In addition to his parents and wife, Tom is also survived by his children: Jordan Marie Lepper and Brennan Thomas Lepper. Siblings: Terry (Emily) Lepper and Trent (Jennifer) Lepper. Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents: Grant and Doris Lepper and Otho and Tollie Bichsel.
Tom was dearly loved by his in-laws, Jim and Connie McDowell, brothers-in-law, Christopher McDowell (Lisa), Mark McDowell (Jamie) and John McDowell (Christina). Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive. Tom was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish and also attended St. Peter Catholic Church on a regular basis. Tom treasured his Catholic faith. He found great comfort by attending mass and praying the Holy Rosary.
Throughout his life, Tom loved spending time with family, especially outings at the Lepper farm. In his teenage years, Tom worked for Melrose Township. He then worked summers at the Adams County Highway Department. Tom had a passion for operating large machinery. He furthered those passions by working for Speckhart Farms, Keller Bulldozing and his dream position at the Bushmeyer Farms. Also, Tom was a teacher and dean at Quincy Junior High School. He embraced working with students with special needs and wanted them to know they were loved, and guided them to be the best they could be. Tom brought humor and wit to all places and spaces. As the saying goes, “There was never a dull moment when Tom was around.” Tom coached the Quincy High School Boys Basketball team for over 25 years. He leaves a tremendous legacy as both a player and coach. Brennan Lepper will honor his dad’s legacy by wearing jersey #54.
After high school, Tom furthered his education and continued his basketball career at Quincy University. He developed life-long friendships with players and coaches. Tom loved Quincy and Quincy loved Tom. Tom’s family is grateful for the prayers, support and love during Tom’s two-year battle with brain cancer. They embraced the motto, “His Will, His Way, Our Faith!”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Monday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Quincy High School Blue Devil Boys Basketball or to Quincy Notre Dame High School Girls Basketball. For his visitation and Mass, the family requests that you wear Blue Devil Blue in Tom’s memory! The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Dear Lepper Family,
Words can’t begin to express how very sorry we are that Tom has died. He had so much to live for. We shall never forget him and will cherish the memories.
As ever,
Dick & Pat Wentura
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of an amazing man! May God provide you with the much-needed strength in the days ahead and may your many wonderful memories provide you with comfort.
Dear Lepper and McDowell families.
We are very sorry about Toms death, but have comfort that there is a resurrection and peace.
We will have masses sent.
Requiem in Pace’
Great Aunt, Mary F. McDowell and cousin Paul K. Geers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Sara,
There is no way to put in words the sadness Karen and I feel over your loss. Tom was an extraordinary person, and an even better friend. He was a rock in her life every day, as her co-teacher at QJHS. Tom’s life affected the QHS, QU, and QND families in such positive ways. Not many people in Quincy can say that. He brought such great joy to us, whether it was at a game, sitting around a fire at Violet View Ranch, or in a school hallway. Even though we will miss him on this Earth, we are happy that he is at Peace. I will pray that God gives your family the strength you need in the days ahead and that HE will fill your hearts and souls with only the great memories that you created and shared with Tom. God Bless
Sarah, Family and Dear Friends,
Tom fought bravely as did Sarah and the Family!!!!!!!!!!! Cinda and I are out of town and regret very much we cannot be with you. Our prayers, thoughts and tears are with you.I coached Tom at the YMCA basketball. He was kind and gentle even then. God bless all of you and everyone you love! Mike and Cinda McClain
A beautiful tribute for Tom’s beautiful life. Sending love to Sara, Jordan, Brennan, Jim, and Connie.💝
Dear Sara – I am so sorry. I know nothing I can say will help ease the pain you and your children are experiencing upon Tom’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and I’m hoping you can find support in the the loved ones around you.
Angela, I am sending my condolences in the loss of your precious son. It sounds like he was a wonderful man who was raised well. I cannot imagine losing a child, but your faith will help you through this. Hugs and prayers for you all.
To the Lepper & McDowell families. I’m so sorry about Tom. I am very sad that your families are going through this. It is difficult to understand that your loved one has to go through this. We lost our son Derek to a brain tumor when he was 34 back in 2010. He too was a fighter for 3 years. He was strong in his faith & accepted his fate with courage. I know that Tom was the same . I’m sure he has found his place in Heaven. He is your angel now. Cherish all the beautiful memories. I will never regret the time we had together. My prayers are with you. Rita Damhorst
Sorry for your loss. Arlo and Peggy
Kent and I are so sorry about Tom‘s passing. He fought his cancer with valor. He was magic in Quincy Public Schools as a student and as a teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May God and your memories comfort you during this time.
In sympathy, Kent and Sheila Stevenson
To Sarah and the Lepper family,
Words are not adequate to express the sorrow we feel to hear of the passing of Tom. Tom was a gentle giant and his presence will be greatly missed. Having been a teammate of his, I can say he was a better person than he was a basketball player. With all of his accomplishments he was always humble and considerate of others. His impact on the youth of the community was immense. Tom epitomized courage, strength and integrity. Although he is no longer with us, his impact will forever be felt. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Rest well big #54
Sincerely,
Dr. T. Lamont Holder & Family.
Sarah, kids, Connie and Jim ,
We are so very sorry ..
You are a loved and respected family like no
other. Hugs.
Dear Lepper Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief. I went to high school with Tom and can distinctly remember his humor and love for life. We were all blessed to have him on this earth with us. He will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers for the family of Tom. He was such a great and funny guy. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. He would always give me a big hug whenever I seen him when I came to Quincy. Rest well Lep
Denise Austin (Ryan Brown’s mom)
Your colleagues in Mary Kay and the former Sweet Success Area send heartfelt sympathy and concern to you, Sara, Jordan, and Brennan. Much affection. Candy Carlson
The distance and time doesn’t diminish the lasting memories with the Lepper family. We so enjoyed the moments spent with Tommy during out visits. The Ryan family (Dan, Kathy, Beth, Mike) wrap our arms around your family in support and love.
I haven’t seen Tom since the state basketball tournament in 1990. My daughter Heather was a cheerleader that year. He is leaving such a wonderful legacy. I lost Heather in January of this year. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Lean on each other. His memory will give you strength you couldn’t imagine you have.
U all r in my thoughts and prayers!! Hugs to u all….
Sending my deepest condolences to the Lepper family. I enjoyed working with Tom for a little over a year at QJHS back in 2014. He cared so deeply for the children he was working with and he was loved by many. We shared a lot of laughs through creating strategies on getting the kiddos back in school and keeping them out of trouble. He had a great spirit and infectious laugh. I will keep his wife, two boys, and extended family in my prayers – just take one day at a time and extend yourself the same grace you would give to others in such a tremendous loss 💚