Donald Lee Lepke, 60, of Montgomery City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Lee was born on February 24, 1965, in Orange County, California, to Donald Victor Lepke and Patricia Ann (Diss) Lepke. He spent some time with the United States Navy, though he didn't speak of it much, it held a place dear to his heart. He spent several years in California, where his two daughters were born, before later making his home in Missouri.

A true jack of all trades, Lee worked in construction for many years and was especially gifted at woodworking. With his hands and his tools, he could make just about anything, and he took great pride in creating things for the people he loved. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he never visited them without bringing something he had made just for them.

Lee loved live music and baseball games and enjoyed the camaraderie of poker nights, which he attended faithfully each week. He was a talented pool player who played in leagues and spent many evenings at local bars, visiting with friends and enjoying the game he loved.

He also had a deep love for pinball and bowling and was known in Lytle Creek as "Lee Bone" for reasons known only to those who knew him best. His niece affectionately called him "Uncle Buck," like the movie, while the fellas at Porta King knew him simply as "Don." Lee was an exceptional griller whose specialties included beer-butt chicken and ribs, and he was always adventurous with food, fearlessly combining ingredients regardless of appearances. His love of food even inspired others to try new things, including seafood. He enjoyed fairs and Renaissance festivals, old western movies, Tenacious D, dancing, light gambling, picking fresh flowers, and coming up with nicknames for everyone he met. Lee had a unique talent for pushing boundaries just far enough to make everyone laugh, and he was the kind of man you could count on for any job around the house—payment happily accepted in the form of lunch or a case of beer.

His daughters treasure memories of their childhood in California, especially trips to Eagles Landing at Lytle Creek, where Lee taught them how to play pool while Achy Breaky Heart played on the jukebox. One of his proudest moments was making his daughter her very first pool stick by hand—a lasting symbol of his skill, patience, and love.

Lee will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his humor, his love of music and games, his loyalty to friends, and most of all for his deep devotion to his family and grandchildren. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lee is survived by his two daughters: Kim (Jerry) Gianopulos of Wright City, MO, Karen Lepke (John King) of Denton, TX; stepdaughter, Jamie (Curtis) Smith of Wentzville, MO; wife, Laura Ybarra; grandchildren: Lucca, Pia, and Cecilia Gianopulos, and Colin and Sebastian Smith; sister, Lori Duarte of Wildomar, California; nieces and nephews: Robert Hicke, Victor Murphy, and Nora Ochoa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Patricia Lepke.

Lee will be cremated and there will be a celebration of life held at a later date.