John Phillip Leeper, 81 passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021. Born on November 18, 1939 in Fort Wayne. He was the oldest of 6 children born to the late Joe Leeper and Bertha Freeburn. John was a member of Suburban Bethlehem and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. He served on many boards including GCSAA, MTRF and the Hoosier Turf Grass Association. He loved golf and had many amateur wins in his career including the 1975 Fort Wayne Men’s City Golf Championship. He was a former owner/ partner in Cedar Creek Golf Course and Havenhurst (Whispering Creek) Golf Course. He was a former owner of Leeper’s Lawn Service, golf course superintendent and club manager of Orchard Ridge Country Club, Brookwood Golf Course Superintendent, and club manager of Springfield Country Club. He went to Scotland In 1979 to represent the GCSAA and their team finished first. He also loved the outdoors, gardening, and his grandkids. John is survived by his children, Chris (Amy) Leeper, Tina (Doug) Roussey, Cory (Maria) Leeper all of Fort Wayne, and Tracy Leeper of Tampa, Florida; 12 grandchildren; and siblings, Tom (Judy) Leeper, Don (Brenda) Leeper, Connie (Frank) Montes, Rose (Dan) Dickerhoof, and Jerry (Sandy) Leeper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Velma. A Memorial service will be held at 1pm on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals 6810 Old Trail Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809, with visitation from 10-1pm. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
