Lawrence J. “Larry” Lepic, 97, of West Burlington, previously from Bellingham, Washington and New London, Iowa, died at 2:32 AM Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at the Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant. Born December 19, 1920 in rural Mauston, Wisconsin, he was the son of James V. Lepic and Lillian Slauf Lepic. He graduated from Lane Technical High School, Chicago, Illinois in 1938.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps at Chanute Field, Illinois in 1939, where he completed technical courses as an Aircraft Machinist and Aircraft and Engine Mechanic. His next duty assignment was as an Aircraft Crew Chief on Curtis P-36 and P-40 aircraft at Wheeler Field, Hawaii in the famous 18th Pursuit Group. Later, in 1941, he was transferred to the Hawaiian Air Depot, at Hickam Field, to assemble aircraft engines.
He was a Pearl Harbor survivor and participated in the Battle of Midway. Upon returning to the Mainland, he married Mary Helen Ward in Chicago, Illinois on January 2, 1943. Mr. Lepic entered the Flying Cadet Training program in June, 1943 and studied in the College Training Detachment at the University of Syracuse, New York.
Cadet Colonel Lepic was commissioned 2nd Lt. and received his multi-engine pilot wings in April, 1945. His first assignment was as an Aircraft Engineering Officer at Lincoln AAFB, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Lt. Lepic separated from the US Air Force in 1947 and Managed Victoria Novelties, Inc. in Victoria, Texas. He was recalled to active duty in 1951, where he instructed pilots in B-25s.
In 1953 he transitioned into B-29s as Aircraft Commander and flew bombing sorties over Korea. During the Cold War he flew B-47s and finally completed his military service flying B-52s and Evaluating Combat Ready Crews. Major Lepic retired after 25 years of very trying, but exciting service for his country.
His next endeavor was Director of Aviation for the Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham, Washington retiring in 1981, with the dedication of the new terminal building. He owned a series of airplanes with the last one being his favorite, a new 1976 Mooney. He enjoyed salmon fishing, playing golf in the summer and skiing in the winter.
In the meantime he and his wife traveled all over the world. His contributions to the community were many, including serving in Officer’s chairs to include 15th District Commander of Washington State, Veteran of Foreign Wars. In 1972 he served as President of the Washington Airport.
Beginning in 1982 he and his wife spent their winters in Arizona, where they attended numerous dances, cultural functions and continued in the aviation field as President of the Apache Junction, Arizona Airport Commission. His family’s genealogical research included 639 relatives. He lost his wife of 55 years in 1996, from a battle with cancer.
He was fortunate to remarry L. Marjorie Scovern on June 28, 1997 in Yarmouth, Iowa. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Scovern-Lepic of West Burlington; one son, Kenneth Lepic of Bellevue, WA; two stepchildren, Marilee (James) Byczek, and Robert (Bobbie) Scovern; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, James, Lester and Ervin and his first wife, Helen.
Larry wishes to express his love and gratitude to his Iowa family and friends for their outstanding support and caring. He thanks the Southeast Iowa Community for the World War II Tour to Washington, DC. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM, Saturday, September 22, 2018, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home The funeral service for Mr. Lepic will be 3:00 PM Saturday, September 22, 2018, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Rev.
Kathleen Thomas officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Offutt Air Force Base. Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory following the service.
Memorials have been established for the Shriner’s Children’s Fund and Burlington Public Library.
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