Justin Tyler Leopold, 33, of Independence, Missouri, died December 9, 2017 at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence after a short illness.
He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 18, 1984. Justin was a kind, caring, fun-loving, capable, intelligent, and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Justin graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2002, where he met the love of his life, Ally (McCormick), and hung on to her from her sophomore year on. They married in 2008. After high school, Justin enlisted in the Navy, making lifelong friends as he served in Norfolk, Virginia, and trained in nuclear engineering.
After leaving the Navy, Justin and Ally set their sights on San Francisco. But a cross-country move was not enough for Justin, who decided to bicycle coast to coast, dipping one tire in the Atlantic Ocean, cycling westward through state after state until he dipped the other tire in the Pacific Ocean. While living in San Francisco, Justin and Ally welcomed their first son, Luke, and shortly after decided it was time to return home to Independence.
In Independence, Justin opened a Bike Repair shop and dove deep into the world of competitive cycling. Many of Justin’s closest friends are part of the cycling community.
In 2013, Justin and Ally welcomed their second son, Cameron, into the world, and Justin took on the role of full-time caregiver, kid wrangler, and jungle gym for both boys. A devoted and playful father, Justin loved bike riding, playing games, and generally just being with his boys.
Justin’s kind, loving, and generous spirit will be terribly missed, most of all by his wife, Ally, and his sons, Cameron (4) and Luke (6); his mother, Crystal Milby; his siblings, Adam (and Sara) Leopold, Heather (and Mike) Ebert, Faith Shank, and Christen Shank; his best friend, Joel Melling; and Ally’s family, Doug and Sandy McCormick and John and Christy Hansen. His loss will also be shared by many other family and friends. Justin was preceded in death by his father, Doug Leopold, earlier this year.
A celebration of Justin’s life will be held this Saturday, December 16, at the Sermon Center in Independence. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., memorial at 11 a.m., with a bike ride at 1 p.m. Informal visitation will continue from 1 to 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Edward Jones, FBO Allison Leopold, 700 NE R.D. Mize, Suite 201. Blue Springs, MO 64014. a college fund is started there for the Justin’s sons, or to Boys and Girls Club, Independence unit, 315 South Leslie, Independence, MO 64056
Beautiful soul, rest easy. The world suffers, and grieves when good people like you depart. I send God’s peace to your family
We pray for the light of loving memory to shine brightly to warm your hearts and lift your spirits. May God’s peace be a companion to you, always present for when you need it most.
What a beautiful tribute to Justin. My prayers & love to all of you!
Dearest Alley and family,
I am so very very sorry for your loss. I never met Justin but I know you loved him dearly! If there is ever anything I can do for you here on the east coast please please don’t hesitate to ask..Cherish all your memories, stay strong
You will be missed.
I knew Justin only through cycling. It did not take long for me to determine that he was a special individual! You could see in the way he treated others with acceptance and kindness that he was a very fine person. He will be greatly missed.
Alley,Luke,Cameron & beloved family members,I never knew your amazing Justin, but, feel honored to have learned of one so full of love, vitality, promise & outstanding qualities.
My heart grieves for your massive loss & pray that God comforts each & every precious soul who loved him, as he loved You!
Rest your broken hearts,and take comfort in knowing that Justin IS in glory, with Christ,and knows only peace,joy & love. God bless & keep you. In Christian love, Beverly in Seaford, DE
Our world is,’ less than ‘when we lose someone like Justin. I pray for Ally, Luke, Cameron and all family and friends touched by this difficult, difficult loss.
My prayers are with your family at this difficult time.my heart goes out to you.
I knew Justin as a fellow student during Nuclear Power school. His enthusiasm for life was contagious and his smile encouraged everyone. I am praying for everyone who knew him and sad for those who didn’t get to know him. He will surely be missed.
May your amazing memories comfort you in time of need.
Love to all