Leonard E. Shepler

Leonard E. Shepler, 94, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Ashton Creek Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on March 11, 1922, in Fort Wayne the son of the late Frank Shepler and Gladys Sharp. Leonard married Elvena Joy Stucky in 1952 and Joy preceded him in death on December 29, 2006.

He was a member of Avalon Missionary Church, Fort Wayne; Indiana Retired Teachers Association; Bob Jones Alumni Association, and he was also a University of St. Francis Alumni. Leonard enjoyed reading, exercising and piloting his Cessna.

Leonard was a teacher for 17 years in the Fort Wayne Community Schools, retiring in 1983. Prior to his teaching career, he was also a former Pastor of the Bluffton, Ohio Mennonite Church, the Harrisville Congregational Church, Harrisville, Ind., and also served as a missionary pilot and pastor in Mexico. Leonard graduated from South Side High School in 1940 and following his service in World War II, he attended Bob Jones University from 1947 to 1951, graduating with a degree in theology. In 1966, he graduated from Ball State University with a degree in education and received his Master's of Education from University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, in 1970.

Leonard served in the United States Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Surviving are his sons, Douglas E. (JoAnne) Shepler of Fort Wayne and Timothy R. (Lisa) Shepler of Homewood, Ala.; six grandchildren, Angela (Jacob) Springman, Natalie Shepler, Joseph Shepler, Ryan Shepler, Haley Shepler, and Luke Somers; and two great-grandchildren, Lilliana Shepler and Nora Springman.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Shepler; daughter, Rebecca Shepler; two sisters,  Mildred Dorothy Hess and Francile Helbling; and two brothers, John and Grant "Fred" Shepler.

Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at Avalon Missionary Church, West Campus Chapel, 1500 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Gary Aupperle officiating. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne, with Military graveside services conducted by the American Legion Post 43 Color Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Avalon Missionary Church Food Pantry.