Jack Lepper October 22, 1920 - May 1, 2012

Sandy resident Jack Lepper died at his daughter and son-in-law's home on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. He was 91.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Sandy Funeral Home on Friday, May 11, at 2 p.m. A private burial was held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Jack DeVere Lepper was born on October 22, 1920, in Bellingham, Washington, to Earle and Lila (Strong) Lepper. He was raised and received his schooling in Blaine, Washington. Shortly after graduating from high school, he moved to Mason City, Washington where he worked on the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, and where he also met his future wife.

On October 22, 1941, Jack was united in marriage to Sally Beery in Yakima, Washington. Jack and Sally then returned to Mason City where he continued his employment and began their family. Jack was later drafted into the U.S. Army on September 18, 1944. He was honorably discharged on September 30, 1946. During his time of service, he was awarded the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Philippine Liberation Service Medal.

While Jack was enlisted in the Army, his wife and daughter lived in the Seattle, Washington area where Jack joined them after his discharge. Jack then furthered his education at the University of Washington and received his Associates Degree in Retail Lumber. After Jack graduated, the family moved to McMinnville in 1947, where he began his career with Garrigus Lumber. It was in 1959 that they moved to Sherwood, where Jack pursued his career with the lumber company and managed a lumber yard there until retiring in 1982.

Jack and Sally then moved to Sisters, where they built a home and enjoyed retirement until 1995, when Sally preceded him in death. Jack remained in Sisters until two years ago, when he moved to Sandy and made his home at Cascadia Village so he was able to be near his family. For the last two weeks of his life, he lived with his daughter and son-in-law.

Mr. Lepper was a member of Kiwanis International since 1961, and he served as Lieutenant Governor from 1990 until 1991 and he had a perfect attendance record for 40 years. He was also a longtime member of 30 years with the Elks Club. Jack enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Surviving is his daughter, Leala Harris and her husband Ed of Sandy; three grandchildren, Jack, David and Charles Harris; and three great-grandchildren, Brendan, Kaylee Ann and Toveri.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Mt. Hood Hospice.