Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian Street

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

bairdfreeman@yahoo.com

Joseph Steven Lepley, age 80, of Berne, Indiana passed away on Monday July 21, 2025 at his residence.  He was born in Fort Wayne on August 13, 1944 the son of Guy Lucien and Savannah Belle (Jones) Lepley.  He was married to Nila Janice Rinker who survives.  He was a 1962 Fort Wayne Southside High School graduate, lifetime member of the Olive Club in Fort Wayne and served in the US Airforce.  He was a retired Electronic Technician for Raetheon in Fort Wayne.  Joe loved lake living, shooting pool, his family, his country and was very patriotic

Surviving are his wife Nila, Two step-sons Shane Mann (wife Stephanie) of Portland and Cory Mann of San Francisco, one sister Beverly Ann Henley of Columbia City, Three step grandchildren Austin Mann, Gabbie Mann and Griffin Mann, three nieces and one nephew.

Celebration of Life services will be Sunday July 27th at 3:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Darrell Borders presiding.  Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.  Memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Stillwater Hospice or choice of the donor.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com