Larry Gene Lepley, 88, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:34 a.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

Born on December 29, 1935, in Warsaw, Indiana, he was a son of the late Harry and Pauline (Reckard) Lepley. He grew up in the Larwill area, and graduated from Larwill High School in 1953.

Joining the U.S. Air Force, he served from 1954 until 1957.

On March 30, 1957, he married Kay L. Lancaster. They made their home in South Whitley and then the Tri-Lakes area.  Kay died April 9, 2023.

Larry started work at Bowmar, he then worked for Tokheim Corporation in Fort Wayne, and finally Dek-Electronics.  Once he retired, he became self-employed interested in electronics and antiques. Larry was one of the first group of South Whitley EMT's.

Surviving are his children, Erin (Randy) Evans of Warsaw, Blake (Darla) Lepley of Columbia City; grandchildren, Alexis (Charles) Grossman, Sam (Bri Stidham) Lepley and Emma (Jagger) Van Curen; great-grandchildren, Maggie, Trella, and Edward Grossman.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Guy Lepley, Wilbur Lepley, and Richard Lepley; and a sister Wanda Deininger. Larry was the last surviving child of Harry and Pauline Lepley.

As per Larry's wishes, there will be no services.

Memorials in Larry's honor are to the Cleveland Township Volunteer Fire Department or Thorncreek Volunteer Fire Department.