Anthony "Pop" Leier

Anthony "Pop" Leier, of Rolla, Missouri, was born October 3, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri. He passed away on April 12, 2025 in Rolla, Missouri at the age of 78. 

Tony was born to Anton Leier and Flora Leier (nee Ledbetter). He attended Southwest High School in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating, Tony enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Tony decided he preferred the military to civilian life and reenlisted on March 19, 1968, this time in the United States Marine Corps. During his service in the Marine Corps, Tony achieved the rank of corporal and was deployed to Vietnam. During his courageous service during the Vietnam Conflict, Tony was severely wounded after stepping on a landmine. Tony was discharged honorably following his wounding and was awarded several medals in honor of his commitment which included a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnamese Service Medal, a Vietnamese Campaign Medal as well as a Purple Heart Medal for his selfless service. 

Upon his second discharge from the military, Tony worked as a Prosthetist/Orthotist for over thirty years. Working for JVA and Hangar O and P. He was just as devoted to his work as he was to his country. 

Tony married Rebecca Kirkman after his discharge from the military. Together they welcomed two sons Tony II and Nick. Later in life Rebecca and Tony decided to part ways but remained devoted parents to their two sons. Tony married Nancy Brinkman in 2010 and he gained a bonus daughter, Tammy, and a family that loved him dearly. Nothing was more important to Tony than his family. 

In his spare time, Tony enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He was an avid reader, enjoying all many different books but his absolute favorite author was W.E.B. Griffin who wrote military and detective fiction. Another of his favorite pastimes was working in his yard, keeping it immaculate. In his later years, nothing pleased him more than to spend time with his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Nancy Leier; children, Tony and Leah Leier II, Nick and Tara Leier, Tammy and Matthew Blattel; grandchildren, Tony III, Tristan, Madeline, McKenna, Harrison, Makayla and Adam, Miranda and Ethan; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Alex; former spouse, Rebecca Leier; siblings, Helen and Stan Bumstead, Barb Pitman, and Billy and Gayle Leier; many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members. 

He was preceded in death by Father & Mother Anton & Flora Leier; Sister & Brother-in-Law Kate & Bill Thompson; & Brother-in-Law John Pitman.

A short service will be held on May 12, 2025, at 10:00am at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Waynesville, Mo

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Tony's honor to Tunnel to Towers, the Wounded Warrior Project, or to St. Jude’s's Children's Research Hospital.