Dr. Edward L. Lepley, age 73 of Stanwood passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born October 10, 1938 in Bellevue, Ohio the son of James Edward and Leona Catherine (Buchman) Lepley.
Ed graduated with honors from Bellevue High School in 1956 where he not only excelled academically, but also on the football field and basketball court.  He still holds several school athletic records. Ed enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for two years, furthering his engineering and mechanical skills.  Following his honorable discharge from the service, Ed enrolled at The Ohio State University where he completed his undergraduate and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree.  He then proceeded to practice in Denmark, England and he set up a poultry research facility for the Spanish Government located outside Barcelona.  While in England he contracted with the province of Alberta to eradicate the Brucellosis Abortus bacteria.  Along the way he stopped in Michigan and in December of 1966 he met his wife to be, Sharron Binkley.   The young couple married on December 9, 1967 and resided in Union Lake where their son Erik was born. Ed established the Waterford Veterinarian Hospital in 1968.
Ed, Sharron and Erik moved to their Ore Box ranch, located above Canyon City, Colorado in 1973. They returned to Michigan in 1978 where Ed opened Riversbend Animal Hospital.  Over the next 33 years Ed would open Cedar Springs Animal Hospital and his current practice in Howard City, which will continue to be managed by his family, to his high standards.
Ed was a devout member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Pine Island, Florida and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a strong supporter of The Ohio State University “College of Veterinary Medicine” Alumni Association.  He held a specialty degree in the practice of Veterinary Dentistry and his professional memberships included: the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, and the West Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.
Ed enjoyed a number of construction projects in both Michigan and Colorado which included, an A frame Cabin and several barns.  Ed was a mentor to numerous students interested in Veterinary Medicine.  His other hobbies included sailing with his wife, Sharron and helping Erik and Tami with chores around the farm and in the field, especially operating his combine this past season.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years Sharron; his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Tamara and their children, Mallory and Grant all of Stanwood; a brother, S.J. Lepley of Bellevue, OH; three sisters, Suzette Marie Green of Bellevue, OH, Sandra Dillon of Columbus, OH, Gail (James) Miller of Bellevue, OH; two brothers-in-law, Eugene Sanders and Al Flicker both of Sandusky, OH; sister-in-law, Carol Lepley of Columbus, OH and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Ed was preceded in death by two brothers, James D. and wife Nancy Lepley, John K. Lepley; three sisters, Jacqueline Sanders, Marilyn and husband Ted Fox, Catherine “Kitty” Flicker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City with the family greeting friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. until mass at 11:00 a.m.  Pastor James Wyse, Father Ray Bruck, Father Phong Pham, Father Lou Anderson and Father Phil Wikowski concelebrate the Mass.  The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, Jan 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Friday Jan 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed that evening at 7:30 p.m.  followed by public personal reflections of Ed’s life.
Immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial, at Christ the King Catholic Church, a luncheon will be served at the fellowship hall.
There will be additional visitations and services in Bellevue, Ohio with interment at the Bellevue Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Ed’s name may be given to his family and directed to the establishment of the “Ed Lepley Scholarship Fund” or to continue Ed’s legacy of aiding underprivileged animals.
Share a memory or leave a condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com