Eugene Leep

LEEP, EUGENE ARTHUR, 80, lost the latest of his long string of battles with cancer and was called home to Heaven on January 13, 2014. His family has lost a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Beechland Baptist Church has lost a devoted Christian. McDonalds at Terry and Greenwood has lost a devoted customer, and the family dogs have lost their #1 lap to be petted on. "Leep" worked at Brown & Williamson Tobacco for 38 years, until his long service was handsomely rewarded by an early retirement during the first round of big tobacco lawsuits. After retirement Leep purchased the first of his many hot rods. Whether it was cruising in his '36 or his '32 Ford (two of his favorites), he could frequently be found at Rod Runs and Street Rod shows around PRP and beyond. When not cruising Leep enjoyed taking his wife Shirley on "snow-bird" vacations to Texas in their 5th wheel camper and spending time with their circle of Texas friends. This was a good system that allowed Shirley to play cards while Leep attended his country music jams (he still has a fine collection of both types of records: country AND western). Eugene and Shirley enjoyed the snow bird lifestyle until Leep hot-rodded straight into the back end of a Jaguar at which time it was decided that he should cruise closer to home, rather than towing a 15,000 pound load the 1,750 miles round trip each year. On most days Leep could be found sitting at the Greenwood Boat Docks by the Ohio River, usually accompanied by one or more of the family dogs and a round of cheeseburgers for all (canines included- extra pickles, extra mustard, no onions). At the river, Leep never met a stranger but was always mindful to be home for the family dinners, where the whole family was able to enjoy Shirley's sumptuous cooking. If it was Sunday morning, and he was physically able to walk, Leep could be found at Beechland Baptist Church- usually in the front row and most of the time awake (ask Pastor Ken Hollis, he uses Leep for sermon material from time to time). Eugene's true love was his family. As a sign of his devotion, Eugene built in the 80's a log cabin at Rough River for his family to gather. While his friends helped him with the large jobs, Eugene worked tirelessly on the woodwork, carpentry and other elements to construct the log cabin while grooming his Bob Vila beard. Never known for his swimming prowess (he didn't know how) Eugene owned a pontoon boat which he would invite his friends during the summer. His wife of over 50 years, Shirley; only daughter, Debbie Gibson (Joe); sisters, Janet Moore (Bobby) and Martha Marburger; brother, Herman Leep (Anita); grandchildren, Joey Gibson (Malandra) and Rebecca Gibson; great-grandchildren, Mara and Graham Gibson and dogs Grunt and Mitsie are left behind to cherish his memories of the "good old days" and his grumblings about TV and young people nowadays. Service is 12 p.m. Friday at Heady Hardy Funeral Home with burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Thursday In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Beechland Baptist Church "Living Legacy Fund" 4613 Greenwood Rd., Louisville, KY, 40258 or online at beechland baptist.org/giving .