Joseph Maurice Leppard

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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