John "Duck" Wallace Leeper, Jr.

John Wallace Leeper Jr. “Duck” was born on October 17, 1959, in Los Angeles, California to the late John Wallace Leeper, Tressie Mae Leeper who preceded him in death along with a sister Anne Jewell and his maternal and paternal grandparents. He departed this life for his home in glory on January 25, 2014 at Advance Care Hospital, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Duck accepted Christ at an early age and attended Greater Fourth Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angels under the leadership of Reverend L.L. Smith. Duck later moved to Okolona, Arkansas and soon united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Okolona, Arkansas. Duck graduated Okolona High School and worked at Stroh’s for many years until he was physically unable to work. Most people never even knew Duck by any other name, and even if they were aware of his given name, didn’t use it. He must have been incredibly fond of nick names because it seems he gave one to every family member and friend he had. Duck had an unmatchable sense of humor and developed a knack for making others laugh and lightening the load with joy. He was a simple man and was happy and content with what he had and never worried with what he didn’t. He was good to others, the kind of good that is remembered. He enjoyed fishing, family barbeques, dominos and good times with his family and friends. As time went on, Duck grew tired and weary. God saw him hurting and weak, but he also saw the love and kindness, in his heart. God called Duck home not to make those he left behind feel sad, but to allow them to celebrate his life and his home going knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Duck’s soul is gone from his body but his memory will live on in all who knew and loved. He leave to cherish his memory his wife Jennifer and three children Kyla, Santana and Djay; sisters Evelyn (Raymond) Adams of Malvern, AR, Lois Anderson and Jonnie (Carl Edwards) both of Okolona, AR, Mae Leeper of Los Angeles, California and Angela Leeper of Los Angeles, CA; brothers Howard Leeper of Illinois, Adris (Marion) Leeper of Germany, Danny Leeper (Anita) of Seattle, WA and Dennis Leeper of Los Angeles, CA; two aunts, Arzola Cook of Blytheville, AR and Mae Sue (Sylvester) Williams of Okolona, AR; ands host of nieces and nephews cousins and friends. Public visitation will be held on Friday, January 31st at the funeral home from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will shared with friends and family on Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m.. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Okolona. Rev. Rufus Hatley is the pastor and will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.