Barre, VT – Maurice Earl Sleeper, 89, of Barre, Vermont, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Veterans Hospital in White River Junction, VT.
Born on May 10, 1937, in Vershire, VT, he was the son of Earl and Eva (Parshley) Sleeper. He attended school there until he left after eighth grade to work on the family farm. Maurice enlisted the in the U.S. Army in 1956 and served in the 12th Infantry Regiment as a heavy weapons specialist. He was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado and Vilseck, Germany and was honorably discharged in 1958.
Soon after returning home, his sister’s friend, Juanita Hayward, caught his eye and there began a relationship that thrived for over 66 years. Maurice and Juanita were married on May 7, 1960, at the Vershire Congregational Church. They made their home in Vershire and raised their two children while Maurice worked at HEB Manufacturing in Chelsea. In his 40-year career at HEB, he steadily gained respect and responsibility, eventually becoming co-owner.
Maurice loved working outside and could usually be found operating or fixing the tractors, backhoes, excavators and other equipment that he always had on hand. He poured his love into his family and friends, and he expressed that love through action. Being in Maurice’s circle meant that he actively looked for how he could help you in some way. All the better for him if it involved heavy equipment. He lived well because he loved well, and the world is better for all the good he left behind in the lives of those he touched.
Survivors include his wife, Juanita; his children Brent Sleeper and his wife, Karen of Barre; Brenda Meidahl and her husband, Stephen of Winslow, Maine. He also leaves five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Dillon Sleeper and his wife Logan (Gus, Wren), Cody Sleeper (Levi) and Reed Rackliff, Taylor Burns and her husband Chad (Elia, Rhea), Hannah Burrows and her husband Tyler, Nathan Meidahl and his wife Lily. He also leaves his sister Shirley Parker (Howard) as well as an extended network of family and friends whom he loved dearly.
Calling hours are Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, Vermont. A service to honor and celebrate Maurice’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Chelsea. A reception will be held in the lower level following the service. A private burial will be held at a later date in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph.
Memorial Contributions in his name may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or Vermont Veteran’s Place, 220 Vine Street, Northfield, VT.
The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.
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