Robert J. "Red" Lepping

Robert "Red" Lepping Age 88, November 6, 2010 Beloved husband of Dorothy "Dot" and the late Mary E. Lepping. Loving father of Patricia (John) Hurld, Susan (Raymond) Barta, James (Pamela), Gail (Rod Lamb), William (Kimberly), Richard (Beth), Robert (Lisa), Paula and the late Mary Lou (Mark) Rickert. Dear grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 11. Stepfather of 3 children and 4 step-grandchildren. A resident of the Presbyterian Village in Redford, MI, Red counted his many blessings. His 48 year marriage to Mary Elizabeth Smith (March 5, 1923 - February 16, 1993) on June 29, 1944 produced a family of five girls and four boys. Red married Dot (Dorothy Kirk) in 1995. He has 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 step-children and 4 step-grandchildren. Red coped with the vestiges of a stroke suffered in 2001 and with macular degeneration, a blindness that robs central vision. His peripheral vision allowed him to remain independent, but deprived him of the ability to drive a car or to golf. He was a true gentleman, one who helps women with their coats and knows that a compliment and a kind word can make one's day. Red had a grand-slam introduction to the sports world. While at St. Theresa High School in Detroit, he perfected his pitching by traveling with a select group of teen players to Toledo, Ohio. They played against the Mud Hens, a minor league team. One newspaper headline quipped, "The Hens teach the chicks". During his late teens, Red was a star pitcher with the American Legion Alger's team. Later, he would cap that experience by coaching an American Legion team of his own. Those teams helped pave the way for today's professional teams. After high school, Red was drafted by the Boston Red Sox organization and played with their farm club in Tennessee until he was inducted into the army at age 21 and served in World War II. In 1943, he was headed out with an anti-aircraft unit when an officer asked him, "Do you want to go overseas or play baseball?" The answer was easy: "Play ball". He spent the remainder of the war as a supply sergeant with the 248th Battalion at Camp Hann, California, and also played baseball to entertain the troops. Red's stature as an undefeated pitcher made road trips even more exciting. Red married Mary while enlisted. Back in Detroit, Red worked for 26 years as a supervisor at the Uniroyal plant to support his growing family. He prided himself on raising his kids successfully. Life for Red revolved around going out with his buddies, meeting family members for outings and meals, and attending events at the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and other local clubs. The Lepping clan gathers annually to celebrate the holidays. At the helm was a fine man who led a great life and shared it with others. Visitation at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Sunday from 1 until 9 PM with Rosary Service at 7 PM. Instate at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, Monday from 10 AM until Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Post 390 Scholarship Fund or Angela Hospice. Please share a memory of Red by signing his guestbook. Funeral Home: R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services 15451 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI US 48154