Dr. Reggie Leroy Epps, aged 65, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. A private family graveside service was held at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park, Kansas. The family will have an additional Celebration of Life Worship Service at the Overland Park Convention Center on August 5th to celebrate Reggie’s life. The family would be honored by the attendance of anyone impacted by Reggie’s life and ministry. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Reggie Epps Memorial Fund. Additionally, the funds will contribute to supporting future ministry endeavors, carrying forward Reggie’s legacy. More information the Reggie Epps Memorial Fund can be found here.
Reggie was born on May 28, 1958, in Fairfax, Oklahoma, to Ronald Lee and Doris Darlene (Mustain) Epps. In 1976, he graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School. Upon graduating high school, Reggie attended and played football and baseball at Coffeyville Junior College, where he was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Reggie furthered his education and his football career, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tulsa, followed by a Master’s and a Master of Divinity from Cincinnati Christian University. He then obtained a Doctorate of Ministry from Lincoln Christian University. On August 3, 1979, Reggie married Shara Lyn Campbell in Overland Park, Kansas.
Before serving as the Senior Pastor of Legacy Christian Church since 2001, Reggie dedicated his vocational work to several other churches. He served at Sandusky Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa, OK, Cleveland Christian Church in Cleveland, OK, and Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, IN, leaving an indelible impact on the communities he touched.
Reggie was a fierce competitor who approached life with determination and passion. He channeled this drive into his work, spending his life building churches that were committed to honoring the authority of God’s word. As the Senior Pastor of Legacy Christian Church, Reggie led by example, inspiring others to deepen their faith and live out their beliefs.
Reggie loved fun and games. You could find him playing Spades, Monopoly, Euchre, Pitch, Dominoes, Mafia, or any other competitive game with friends and family. His self-appointed title was the “GameParson!” Reggie always brought a spirit of fun to his family, workplace, and many friendships. He had a contagious enthusiasm that brightened the lives of those around him. Whether engaging in playful activities with his children and grandchildren or fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues and friends, Reggie created lasting memories with his paradoxical intensity and lighthearted approach to life.
In addition to his professional and personal accomplishments, Reggie was an esteemed member of the community. He served as the Chaplain for the Kansas City Royals, providing spiritual guidance and support to the team. Reggie’s commitment to faith extended beyond his local community, as he served as an adjunct professor and board member at Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kansas. His dedication was further recognized through his roles as a Board member of the North American Christian Convention and Central Indian Christian Mission.
Reggie is survived by his beloved wife, Shara, his high school sweetheart of 44 years. He is also survived by his parents, Ronnie and Darlene Epps of Olathe, Kansas. Reggie leaves behind a loving family, including his daughters Angela (Aaron) Bates of Olathe, Kansas, and Abigail (Nic) Meister of Spring Hill, Kansas, and his son Zachary (Raegan) Epps of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Renee (Dudley) Rutherford of Porter Ranch, California, and his brother, Jack Michael (Haley) Epps of Overland Park, Kansas. Reggie cherished his role as a Papa and leaves behind five grandchildren: Sophia, Stella, Samara, and Charlotte, and Isaac. He also had numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
Reggie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. His fierce competitive spirit, dedication to building churches founded on God’s Word, and his “GameParson” persona will continue to inspire and bring joy to the lives of those he touched. As we gather to celebrate his life at the upcoming worship service on August 5th, your generous donations to the Reggie Epps Memorial Fund will help ensure that his legacy and ministry empower the future.