DANVILLE — Melvin Dale Lepley, 88, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon with his wife of almost 63 years at his side.
He was born April 3, 1920, in Holmes County to Willard Mort and Celia (Bowls) Lepley. He married Irene (Kidwell) Lepley on Feb. 12, 1946. One of his first jobs was driving a team of work horses for the Shults family of Greer. He bought his first car from the money he earned at this job. He then started driving truck for the Banbury Wool Co. of Danville, traveling at times to Massachusetts, where he would spend the night in the back of the wool truck if they did not have enough money for a hotel room. Most of his life was spent driving truck, working for Union Township, and driving a school bus. He was also a “caller” for square dance bands for many years at Martinsburg Community Center and many other places.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Melvin Daniel (Cindy) Lepley of Bladensburg, Ronald D. Lepley of Apple Valley and Gary (Lesley) Lepley of Danville; four daughters, Karen Martin, Carolyn Addair and Susan (Don) Jones, all of Danville, and Diane Lepley of Millwood; 15 grandchildren, Melissa Jaimes, Mark Lepley, Renee Lepley Berman, Shelly Gallion Mason, Samantha Lepley, Chris (Shelly) Lepley, Angie Lepley (Chad Long), Kayla Lepley, Julie Addair (David) Levy, Ashlee Addair, MM3 Lance M. Addair — U.S. Navy, Stephanie Lepley (Doug) Moore, Stacy Jones, Brittany Lepley and Kelly Lepley; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Cecil (Pat) Lepley of Zanesville; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joann Lepley Dininger; a niece, Cathy Jane Dininger; a brother, William Sanford Lepley; a nephew, David A. Lepley; a niece, Kim Lepley Carr; and a grandson, Brent Addair.
Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville, with a graveside service to follow at Workman Cemetery with Evangelist Matt McManaway officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District (Danville Fire and EMS), P.O. Box 526, Danville, OH 43014. This information in online at www.fischerfuneralhome.com.