Vernon Leible

Vernon Leible, 84, of Cape Girardeau was called home Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and his devoted wife, Kathy Leible. He was born to Emanuel and Geraldine Farrar Leible in Perry County, where he was raised on the family farm and developed the strong work ethic and values that guided him throughout his life. As a young man, Vernon proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a boiler technician aboard the USS Harry E. Hubbard (DD-748). After his service, he returned to Perry County to raise his family. He began working in auto body repair and became manager of Cape GMC Body Shop, later becoming co-owner of Independent Appraisers and Adjusters. He eventually joined State Farm Auto Insurance Company, where he dedicated 17 years of service. On Sept. 30, 1988, Vernon married Kathy Brothers Ledbetter at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. His career with State Farm took Vernon and Kathy to Fort Worth, Texas, where they lived for 12 years before retiring and returning to the Cape Girardeau area. In retirement, he continued to stay active, working as a driver for Auto Tire and Parts and Enterprise. Music was a lifelong passion for Vernon. His parents, who played in a band, brought him along to performances as a baby, and he later played alongside them and his siblings. Over the years, he shared that love of music with his own children and many musical friends. In the early 1990s, Vernon and Kathy were among the co-owners of the Country Music Hall in East Cape Girardeau, Illinois, along with Bob and Donna Mathis and Allen Hill and Elsie Williams. It was a place filled with music, laughter and fellowship. Vernon played in the stage band and welcomed guests to sing or play along, creating a joyful space where many lasting friendships were made. He loved the music and especially enjoyed watching the dancers. In later years, he enjoyed performing with the band Memories and playing at nursing homes throughout Cape Girardeau, where his music brought smiles and joy to many residents. The music will play on. His bandmates - Doug Norris, Jim Pender and Don Griffaw - plan to continue performing, a tribute Vernon surely would have embraced. A faithful member of Hanover Lutheran Church, Vernon was also a proud member of American Legion Post 63 in Cape Girardeau for 23 years. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who cherished time spent with his family. He will be remembered for his steadfast character, the generosity he showed to those around him and the laughter he brought into every room. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and loved sharing jokes with family and friends. Through every challenge and change, he met life with a quiet optimism that those who loved him will never forget. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy Brothers Leible; his children, Jeff (Beth) Leible, Tammy Leible (Bryan Walker) and Jim Leible (Micky), from his marriage to Ellen Leible; Kathy's daughter, Leslie Ledbetter; his grandchildren, Deanna Dawson (Matthew), Danielle Pecher (Glenn), Grace Florence, Jacqueline (Ben) Warner, Maisie (Brandon) Stewart, Mary Grace King, Makenna King, Paige (Troy) Pepper and Joey Lozano; 10 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; his sister, Janet (Don) Hotop; his brothers, Lindell (Sally) Leible and Bill (Linda) Leible; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his uncle and aunt, Donald and Eugenia Farrar. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Geraldine Leible, and Kathy's daughter, Christy Ledbetter. Vernon's memory will live on in the music he played, the laughter he shared and the hearts of all who loved him. He always had a way of putting things simply - and perfectly: "It will work out. It always does." Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 23, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Rod Benkendorf officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Hanover Lutheran Church or to the Lutheran Home Music Activity Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Vernon Leible

August 18, 1941 - March 13, 2026