COLUMBIA CITY - James Oscar "The Blade" Peppler, 76, of Columbia City, passed away at 12:07 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009, in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born May 29, 1933, in Fort Wayne. His first wife, Janlynn K. Peppler, preceded him in death. On Dec. 1, 1984, at Faith Lutheran Church, Churubusco, he married Belinda "Lynn" M. Long, who survives.
He graduated from South Side High School in 1951, then attended American Optical. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. A Fort Wayne native, he worked at Cunningham Optical and Lounge Optical. In 1978, he moved to Columbia City where he started Columbia Optical. After selling Columbia Optical, he continued working at Fort Wayne Optical and their lab in Wabash. His memberships included Zion Lutheran Church and Tri Lakes Lion Club. In his spare time, he had a passion for running participating in 27 marathons.
Also surviving are two sons, Brandon L. (and spouse Laura) Maley and Aaron J. Peppler, all of Columbia City; three grandchildren, Ayden L. and Alona L. Maley and Anna M. Peppler, all of Columbia City; several nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Roger Long, Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, officiated by Pastor Lane Burglund of Faith Lutheran Church. Burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City.
Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
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Memorials to Faith Lutheran Church, Churubusco, or the Peppler grandchildren's educational fund.
