Richard Ernest Lepley

Richard Lepley died Saturday, April 20, 2024 at his home in La Grande at the age of 86.

Richard Ernest was born on May 26, 1937 in Portland, the son of William Wade and Dorothy Grace (Keith) Lepley.  He was raised and educated in Portland.  After graduating from Benson high school in 1955 he entered the US Airforce and served in Japan and Maine until his honorable discharge in 1959.

On March 15, 1958 he was married to Emma Marlene Schaefer in Gresham.  They made their home in the Troutdale area where he  worked for 35 ½ years as a crane operator and potman for Reynolds Metals Aluminum Reduction plant which later became Alcoa.  After he retired they travelled the USA and lived in Winston before coming to La Grande in 2016 to be near family.

Richard enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing and camping, family activities, walking their dog and loving their cat.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 66 years, Emma Marlene Lepley of La Grande, children Janet Woodford of La Grande, Jodi Tweton (Michael) of Gresham, Jeff Lepley (JoAnne) of Woodburn, eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Besides his parents Richard was preceded in death by his brothers Donald and Douglas Lepley.