Forrest D. Leeper

Forrest Dwight Leeper Forrest Dwight Leeper went home to be with the Lord on the evening of May 8, 2013. He was born on July 21, 1924, to Thomas S. Leeper and Alta Blanc Leeper in Fredericksburg, Ohio. He was the oldest of three boys; his younger brothers who predeceased him were T. Earl Leeper and Harold Leeper. After his father’s health worsened from WWI service related illness, the family moved from the farm, and Forrest was raised in Wooster, Ohio. Even though the Great Depression and his father’s incapacity made for difficult times, Forrest and his brothers enjoyed growing up in Wooster. Forrest joined Boy Scouts of America, and thus began a lifelong adventure as he continued throughout his life until his health no longer allowed him to actively participate. He earned his eagle and 2 palms, and as an adult leader earned the Wood Badge, the Good Shepherd and Silver Beaver awards. He saw his two sons and his grandson enjoy Scouting and achieve their Eagle rank. Forrest’s father died when Forrest was a teenager and his Uncle Alfred Blanc then became an important influence on his life. Forrest began university at Wooster College when WWII intervened. He entered the United States Army and served in the infantry, specializing in communications. He was in the 91st Division. His unit originally shipped out to North Africa and was being sent to combat at Oran when that battle ended. He entered into combat at Anzio on the Italian coast. Forrest was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart with 2 oak leaves. After V.E. day, Forrest’s unit was shipbound for the Pacific Theater when the atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered. When Forrest returned home, he continued his education at Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Forestry. Ultimately, he went to work for the U.S. Forest Service which led him to East Texas. While in Huntsville, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Bradley. They married on November 29, 1953. After being assigned in east Texas and western Louisiana, Forrest and Dorothy wanted to come back to Huntsville. Forrest joined the U.S. Post Office where he worked as a mail carrier and rural mail carrier until his retirement. While in Huntsville, he served with the emergency Corps and continued his long involvement with Boy Scouts in the Sam Houston Council, George Strake District. In Scouts, he participated as an advisor, committeeman and Assistant Scout Master for Troop 114; he participated in the Order of the Arrow and explorers during his years. He experienced his greatest satisfaction in the participation of his sons and grandson and as he saw very many of “his” Scouts grow into fine young men over his more than 60 years of Scouting. Forrest was a member of First Baptist Church of Huntsville for more than 60 years and was a longtime deacon. He served many years on the sound system committee. As one of the sound system operators for those many years, he put to use the operating and repair skills he learned with radios and other communications equipment in the Army. In their walk with the Lord at First Baptist, he and Dorothy met many dear friends at church. Forrest and Dorothy had three children, all born in Huntsville: Janet, Paul and Thomas. Because of the fine Christian home they provided, all three children feel blessed and are leading successful, happy lives. Forrest is survived by his children, Janet George and husband Lloyd, Paul Leeper and wife Barbara, Thomas A. Leeper; grandson Daniel; step-grandchildren Jennifer Slivensky, Phillip George, Gregory George; 5 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Margaret Leeper. He is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Ann, his father and mother Thomas S. and Alta Leeper and his brothers, Earl and Harold. Forrest will lie in state at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Huntsville, Texas on Saturday, May 11, 2013, 10:00 a.m. until 7:00p.m., with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 12, 2013, 4:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 1229 Ave. J, with interment to follow at Adickes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, well wishers may make donations to Boy Scouts of America, Troop 114, c/o Karla Christian, Treasurer, 2604 Bois d’Arc Dr., Huntsville TX 77320 or their website troop0114@gmail.com, H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum 463 State Hwy 75 N, Huntsville Texas,77320 or First Baptist Church 1229 Avenue J, Huntsville, TX 77340 Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Forrest D. Leeper

July 21, 1924 - May 12, 2013