Leon Melvin Heise

Leon Melvin Heise, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at his home. He was born August 4, 1936 in Neely's Landing, Missouri to Melvin Arza and Ruth Berniece Engelhardt Heise. He was baptized on September 13, 1936 at Egypt Mills Trinity Lutheran Church and confirmed there on May 30, 1954. His confirmation verse was Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He and Phyllis Ann West were married February 2, 1957 at First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. Leon served in the National Guard 140th Infantry Division from 1953 to 1966. He worked for General Sign as a sign painter for 38 years, starting in 1963. Prior to that he worked for International Shoe from 1953 to 1963. He was a longtime member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church where he served as a Stephen Minister. He was also a member of Elks Lodge 639. Painting was Leon's love and passion. He was commissioned to paint the Stations of the Cross at Old St. Vincent's. He was the painter of the original river wall mural and painted several building signs in downtown Cape Girardeau. He also loved to carve things out of wood and was known for his "giraffes" that he made for family members and loved making Christian carvings. He was so proud of his "fear" knot made out of wood and rope that are hanging in our cars. He enjoyed and was thrilled to have been an extra in the movie, Gone Girl. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Debbie (John) Brewer of Springfield, Illinois; brother, Carl (Lynda) Heise of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Mary Spurlock and Carol Smith of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Josh (Olivia) Lumsdon, Tyler Hoffmeister, Jessica (Troy) Kissel, Jake Brewer; and six great-grandchildren, Scarlett Mounce Hoffmeister, Camilla Ann Lumsdon, Lydia Jess Hoffmeister, Penelope Rose Kissel, Henry Heise Lumsdon, and Paisley Elliott Brewer. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Gail Heise; three brothers-in-law, Norman Spurlock, Dewaine Smith and Don Isaac; three sisters, Donna Ruth Isaac, an infant sister who died at birth and her twin, Katherine who died at about one year old; and two deceased sisters-in-law, Sharon West and Karen Arnold. Friends may call 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Monday, February 16, 2026 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau with the Pastor Tim Koehler officiating. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Tributes

Leon Melvin Heise

August 4, 1936 - February 10, 2026