Death of Reverend John Richard Lepke, former missionary in South Africa

December 20, 1919 – December 17, 2010

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Reverend John Richard Lepke who died on December 17, 2009, just three days short of his ninetieth birthday.  John lived in Hood River, Oregon, where he had moved several years ago to live close to his son, Mark.

From 1950 to 1956, John served as a Congregational missionary in South Africa.  On returning to the U.S. he served at a number of churches and lived for many years in Gainesville, Florida, where he was an active member of the Gainesville Religious Society of Friends, as well as an active participant in local and state civic affairs.

John was a lifelong peace activist, with a particular interest in the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.  In 2006 the Columbia River Peace Fellowship in Oregon recognized his activities with one of its two annual Noble Awards.

In 1993, John, a 1945 graduate of Yale Divinity School, established the Lepke Scholarship at the school in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of his graduation. This scholarship is based on financial need and exhibition of integrity and achievement not necessarily reflected in grade point average.

John was also a member of the Samuel J. Mills Society of the United Church of Christ.

Gifts in Reverend Lepke’s  memory may be sent to Global Ministries, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1110 or online at Giving for the Work of Global Ministries