Leroy G. Breedlove, lovingly known as "Copper," passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on September 1, 2025, in his home, with his devoted wife by his side, after a brief illness.
Born on August 25, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, to Leroy and Carolene Breedlove, Lee was the second of seven siblings. From an early age, he embodied a deep sense of strength, resilience, and heart—a foundation he would build his life upon.
Lee proudly served his country as a Vietnam Veteran, working artillery in the U.S. Army. After his service, he dedicated ten years of his life as a drug counselor, helping countless individuals find their path to recovery. He then hit the open road, working as an over-the-road truck driver for more than 30 years. His unmatched work ethic and independent spirit eventually led him into entrepreneurship. In retirement, Lee and his beloved wife, Gina D. (Ambrosius), whom he married on July 3, 2004, opened and operated L & G Furniture Store together.
Lee was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time in nature brought him great joy. He was especially fond of horses and had a deep admiration for eagles, collecting them over the years as symbols of freedom and strength. He found freedom on the back of his motorcycle, wind in his hair and the open road ahead.
Above all else, Lee’s heart belonged to his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who never missed an opportunity to spend time with his large and loving family. Whether it was cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, playing Texas Hold-Em with his kids, sharing stories, or simply being present, his love was unwavering. He was also lovingly known as the family chauffeur—especially to his cherished mother-in-law, Gloria Ambrosius, whom he happily escorted wherever she wished to go.
Lee leaves behind a lasting legacy in those who loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Gina; his five children: Shannon (Kristy), Tony, Brandon (Crystal), Sharity, and Cody; 12 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Cathy Crane, Carla (Gary) Goldman, and Mickey (Lupi) Lilly; his in-laws: Kenny Lewis, Gary (Angel) Ambrosius, Gwen (Troy) Malone; and his mother-in-law, Gloria Ambrosius.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary Breedlove, sister Theresa Lewis, and brother-in-law Dale Crane.
Lee was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time in nature brought him great joy. He was especially fond of horses and had a deep admiration for eagles, collecting them over the years as symbols of freedom and strength. He found freedom on the back of his motorcycle, wind in his hair and the open road ahead.
Above all else, Lee’s heart belonged to his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who never missed an opportunity to spend time with his large and loving family. Whether it was cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, playing Texas Hold-Em with his kids, sharing stories, or simply being present, his love was unwavering. He was also lovingly known as the family chauffeur—especially to his cherished mother-in-law, Gloria Ambrosius, whom he happily escorted wherever she wished to go.
Lee leaves behind a lasting legacy in those who loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Gina; his five children: Shannon (Kristy), Tony, Brandon (Crystal), Sharity, and Cody; 12 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Cathy Crane, Carla (Gary) Goldman, and Mickey (Lupi) Lilly; his in-laws: Kenny Lewis, Gary (Angel) Ambrosius, Gwen (Troy) Malone; and his mother-in-law, Gloria Ambrosius.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary Breedlove, sister Theresa Lewis, and brother-in-law Dale Crane.
Lee “Copper” Breedlove will be remembered for his larger-than-life presence, his boundless generosity, and the deep pride he took in his family, his country, and the life he built. He leaves behind memories that will be cherished and stories that will be told for generations to come.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Copper by spending time outdoors with your loved ones, taking a ride in his memory, or simply telling someone you love them.
Dad, it seems like yesterday we were throwing a ball or teaching me how to work in the new leather baseball mitt. It still has been very hard for me to realize and know that you’re gone and not able to call you and say those words that I do desperately needed to say to you in person. With your passing then my mothers back to back has been a tremendous hurdle in life and challenging but I know the both of you are watching over me probably talking over one another trying to coach me or comfort my recent downfall trying your best to pick me back up while I’m pushing back. There will never be a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and my mother and my heart is truly aching and bleeding in pain with the fact that both my parents are gone both back to back all still while I’m in my learning stage of life and success. I promise you I will become everything you’ve both pushed me so hard to become. For now rest easy and I’ll see you all in the future. Miss you already so damn much!
ReplyDelete