Morris F. Leapheart, Jr

Morris Leapheart, Jr. — affectionately known to all whose lives he touched as "Daddy Morris" — passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by the deep love of his family. At 86 years old, he leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and a heart large enough to hold every person who crossed his path.

Born in Atkins, Arkansas, on August 2, 1940, to Rev. Morris Leapheart and Willie Anderson, where his childhood was spent learning the values of hard work on the family farm after attending Plumerville Elementary and Cameron Street High School. It was during his young adult years that he met the woman who would become the heartbeat of his world: Lucille Leapheart, affectionately remembered as "Big Momma".

In 1965, Morris and Lucille made the courageous decision to migrate to Kansas City, Missouri, to build a future together. Navigating the transition from rural farm life to the fast-paced, expensive rhythm of the city wasn't easy. Yet, through every obstacle, their partnership remained unbreakable. While working at an appliance store to provide for their children, Morris met a master plumber who took him under his wing. It was during these years that he rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized at Forest Avenue Baptist Church.

With dedication and pride, Morris mastered the plumbing trade, using his craftsmanship to build a rock-solid foundation for his family. His hard work did far more than keep food on the table—it provided private school and college educations, secured homeownership, and granted his entire family opportunities he could only have dreamed of as a boy on an Arkansas farm. Over 60 years of marriage, Morris and Lucille served as the beloved patriarch and matriarch of the Manheim neighborhood, freely giving their time, skills, and words of wisdom.

Beyond his trade, Daddy Morris was deeply passionate about politics and community advocacy, viewing civic engagement as a sacred responsibility. Having lived through the era of poll taxes and systemic obstacles, he understood firsthand the steep price paid for the right to vote. He frequently pulled out his historic poll tax receipts to show his grandchildren, turning history into a personal lesson. He made sure every generation after him understood that their voice mattered, their vote was their power, and staying informed was a duty to those who came before them.

Daddy Morris was a man whose generosity knew no bounds. Kind, funny, and compassionate; he had a special reverence for those who often went unnoticed or misunderstood. He lived by simple, powerful principles: honesty, good faith, and absolute devotion to family. Whether he was volunteering to deliver food for the Forest Avenue Baptist Church pantry or offering up “gems” from his newfound passion for hauling; he gave abundantly, even when he had little to spare.Above all else, Morris was devoted to his wife, Lucille, as her faithful caretaker until her passing on June 27, 2022, he anchored the family with steady grace. He truly was a father to all — a man who made sure no child, grandchild, or friend ever went through life without feeling cherished.

Daddy Morris was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucille "Big Momma" Leapheart; his parents, Rev. Morris Leapheart and Willie Anderson; his son, Gerald Leapheart; his daughter, Sheila Burnham; his sisters, Joanna Leapheart Newman, Armedia Anderson, Willie Ethel McNeal, and Blanchie Faye Leapheart; and his brothers, Eddie Lee Leapheart, Alvin Hardin, Robert Anderson, and Captain Serschel Leapheart.

His rich legacy endures through his loving daughters: Pamela (Alvin) Johnson, Sharon (DeAndre) Williams, Rhonda Leapheart, Charlotte (Donnell) Gray, Angela (Keith) Powell, Penney (Damon) Hodges, and Nicole Leapheart. He is also survived by his siblings: Dr. Willie Hardin, Tillie O'Neal, Herschel (Terry) Leapheart, Ronald (Tabitha) Leapheart, Donald Leapheart, Luther (Pat) Anderson, Aaron Anderson; his 27 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a vast community of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.Morris gave everything he had to those he loved. Having poured a lifetime of strength, warmth, and service into the world, he leaves behind a foundation that will never crumble. It is now his time to rest.