Judy C. Leasor

Judy Charlene Leasor, 77, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully at Life Care Center in Sullivan, MO, on Friday, September 12, 2025, going to heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on April 11, 1948 to Eugene and Edna (Taylor) Cockman in Thayer, MO, she was a devout Christian who was known by everyone to be kind, caring, yet firm, when necessary, while she lived her life selflessly serving others in immeasurable ways.

After living in Oregon for a brief time as a small child, Judy moved to Steelville, MO where she attended school and graduated from Steelville High School in 1966, later attending Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, for a brief time. While living in St. Louis, MO, and singing in a women's gospel trio, she met the love of her life at a singing event, now Retired Pastor Paul Leasor, who was also singing with a gospel group, and as fate would have it, he happened to live in Cherryville, MO, just a few miles from Judy's childhood home. They spent as much time together as possible going for walks, spending time in the outdoors, and simply talking, eventually getting married on August 31, 1968 at First Assembly of God in Steelville, MO. Together, Judy and Paul had three children: Thomas, Tammy, and Timothy who completed their family until later in life when they were blessed with grandchildren.

Judy's faith-based service further culminated exponentially when Paul became a pastor in 1977, making her a pastor's wife. Her new role was a calling, a fulfilling one, yet challenging at times. In and of itself, a pastor's wife's role is not for one with a faint heart, though Judy devoutly embraced her position with never ending love, compassion, humility, and tenacity when necessary. As the years progressed, she and Paul pastored several churches throughout Missouri including those in the towns of Chamois, Willow Springs, Charleston, Advance, Sullivan, Nevada, and Mount Vernon. Judy also held many roles in the churches they served including Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, women's ministry leader to name a few. She also thoroughly enjoyed singing with Paul during church services, among other requested events. But, most significantly, she saw her primary role as a support for Paul in any way necessary, regardless of the situation, because she embraced and loved being a pastor's wife. Being a pastor's wife allowed for her to spend time with her best friend, soulmate, and the love of her life, Paul, all while serving her Lord and Savior with him until he retired in 2016 due to Judy's unexpected illness.

Being a mother is another role that Judy embraced with love, compassion and sometimes a touch of firmness, instilling in her kids how to treat others, how important a strong work ethic is, besides how to take care of themselves for the simplest necessary functions, like sewing on a button or ironing. She made sure her family had everything they needed, including a prepared breakfast before school, and dinner daily, which everyone was expected to be at unless working. She loved her family, the chaos, and the shenanigans that went along with it, especially as grandkids were added over the years.

Spending time in the woods with Paul while he hunted deer and turkey was one of her most favorite pastimes. Judy also enjoyed gardening with Paul and her grandchildren when they were able to spend time with them over summers. She treasured the times she and Paul would go to Silver Dollar City, and especially as the grandchildren were old enough to take over the Christmas season. She loved seeing the mesmerized looks on their faces when the large Christmas tree played music accented with the bright, synchronized lights. She enjoyed baking with her granddaughters as she taught them to cook, just as she had taught all her own kids.

Judy is survived by her faithful, loving husband and Retired Pastor Paul Leasor of Sullivan, MO; her three children: Dr. Thomas Leasor and wife, Erica, of Wentzville, MO and Tammy Huntsperger and her husband, Jason, of Boonville, MO and Timothy Leasor of Sullivan, MO; twelve grandchildren: Chantel Spurgeon and husband, Jacob, of Sullivan, MO and Cody Leasor and wife, Cheyenne, of Sullivan, MO and Raeanna Knobbe and husband, Jordan, of Van Meter, IA and Gunnar Leasor of St. Peters, MO and Charlye Leasor of Wentzville, MO and Maverick Leasor of Wentzville, MO and Zachariah Huntsperger and wife, Taylor, of Boonville, MO and Hannah Huntsperger and fiancé, Steven Sedgwick, of Boonville, MO and Ethan Huntsperger of Columbia, MO and Jeremy Leasor and wife, Porscha, of Maryland Heights, MO and Jenna Leasor of Sullivan, MO and Elizabeth Leasor of Sullivan, MO; four great-grandchildren: Parker and Piper Spurgeon, of Sullivan, MO and Miles Knobbe, of Van Meter, IA and Jaxon Huntsperger of Boonville, MO and another great-grandchild on the way, Ivan Leasor, Maryland Heights, MO; a sister, Joyce Hatton and husband, David, of Sullivan, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene & Edna Cockman; her sister, Jan Cottrell and husband, Jim; and her in-laws, Charles & Wilma Leasor.

Services will be 1:00 PM, on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at First Assembly of God Church in Sullivan with Pastor Paul Leasor and Pastor Derik Ruble officiating. Cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM to 1:00 on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be given in Judy's honor to the Judy Leasor Beneficiary Fund.

Condolences may be shared online with Judy's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.