Leon Wilbert Lapel's Obituary
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community volunteer, Leon Wilbert Lapel peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 6, 2024, in Rogers, Arkansas, surrounded by the loving embrace of his family.
Born on October 27, 1944, in Clinton, Oklahoma, Leon was the cherished son of Bill and Greta Lapel. Raised in Thomas, Oklahoma, he graduated from Thomas High School before continuing his education at Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a business degree in 1967. On August 29, 1964, Leon married his high school sweetheart, Linda Jean Higgins, in Thomas, beginning a loving and enduring partnership that spanned sixty years.
Leon dedicated much of his life to serving his community, first as the manager of the Thomas Grain Elevator and later as Executive Vice President of the Bank of The West. Throughout his professional career, he was known for his commitment to his clients and colleagues. Leon also maintained a deep connection to the family farm where he spent much of his youth.
A man of profound faith, Leon was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Thomas, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. His life reflected a deep commitment to God, his family, and his community. He also served on the local school board, always eager to contribute to the well-being of the close-knit community that had been his home for so many years.
Leon’s greatest joy was his family. He and Linda made it their mission to support their children and grandchildren in every way, never missing a sporting event or opportunity to be there for them. Leon's unwavering faith and dedication to his family will leave a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Leon is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his son Bryan Lapel and wife Jennifer of Carmel, Indiana; his daughter Michelle McFadden and husband Mike of Rogers, Arkansas; and his treasured grandchildren: Kaylin and Thomas Baldwin, Andrew Lapel and fiancée Alyssa Lurillo, Luke and Anna McFadden, Matthew Lapel, and Abby McFadden. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Buddy Lapel, Phyllis Hamer, and KD Lapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Arkansas Chapter, a cause close to their hearts https://give.cff.org/arkansas/Donate?_ga=2.15038518.1058541880.1733839109-1980345422.1733839109. A private family memorial will be held to honor Leon’s life and legacy, celebrating his journey of faith, love, and devotion.
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