David Louis LePere, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. He was born on January 10, 1948 in Monmouth, Illinois, the firstborn of Fred and Dorothy Callais LePere. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Theresa Corprew LePere, sons Erik (Tina) and Bryon (Annie), and grandchildren Tyler, Nathan, Lindsey, Mary, and Michael; siblings Celinda (Michael) Wilkening, Stephen LePere, and Donald (Carol) LePere; and in-laws Deborah and George Boomer.

David was raised in a farm household. Almost everything associated with farming from the equipment, chores, and animals was a part of his life for the first 18 years. He graduated from Warren High School in Monmouth, IL and attended Southern Illinois University before deciding to serve his country in the US Navy. This decision would lead him to Norfolk, VA, where he met the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, Theresa. They were married in 1970 and would travel to Florida and Illinois before returning to Virginia.

David worked on A-7 fighter jets on an aircraft carrier in the Navy, and upon completing his service to his country this translated into a job with Virginia Tractor working on truck engines. From there, he would spend 31 years working for what became Carter Machinery, specializing in work on Caterpillar equipment. He did repairs, warranty claims, software training, and much more.

In retirement, he turned from big engines to small timepieces. Over the course of 20 years he taught himself and learned from others how to fix pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks. In addition, he traveled to dozens of counties doing court recordings for home closings while working alongside his wife.

Raised in the church, David rededicated his focus on God and faith when his family moved to Roanoke in 1985. They joined Colonial Ave. Baptist Church, where he would serve as a deacon, search committee chair, facilities team, Sunday School teacher, and youth trip chaperone extraordinaire. In recent years, he continued to serve by teaching at Cave Spring United Methodist Church.

Ever a farm boy, he had several “pets” that he fed around the house. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, and birds all regularly came calling at the LePere home, and David kept them all well fed. His gentle nature even allowed him to mingle with wildlife up close.

While we mourn his passing, we cannot ignore the deep faith of David LePere and the confidence with which he faced the end of his earthly life. His family, extended family, and many friends were blessed to have David on earth and in their lives. We have story upon story to enjoy and reflect upon. The world is a better place for having had him here, and now he is heaven’s gain.

A celebration of David’s life and faith will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 2:00pm with a reception to follow at Cave Spring United Methodist Church, 4505 Hazel Dr., Roanoke, VA 24018. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Cave Spring United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.