Stephen Shepler, 76, of Marion, passed away at 12:45 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Warsaw, Indiana, on Monday, October 31, 1949, to Charles and Rosemary (West) Shepler.
Stephen graduated from Marion High School and later attended Purdue University. He worked as a shipping foreman for 36 years with Hartson-Kennedy in Marion, Indiana. He was an active member of the Marion Coin Club, where he served as Treasurer, and was a dedicated Amateur Radio Operator known by his call sign WA9RVM.
Stephen had a lifelong love of trains and steam engines, and in his earlier years he was an avid woodworker and carpenter-a craft that became one of his greatest passions.
Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer (Brad) Sexton and their children, Lucas Sexton and Tyler Sexton; son, Aaron (Katharina) Shepler and their children, Alexander Shepler and Laina Shepler; siblings, Stewart (Katie) Shepler, Sandy Cooper, Scott (Debi) Shepler, Spencer (Erin) Shepler; the mother of his children, Debbie Strickland; as well as longtime family friends, Sarah Andrews and Diann Rodriguez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Shepler and Rosemary Shepler; brother-in-law, Dave Cooper.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Stephen’s life will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Chaplin Don Miller officiating. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
Memorial contributions may be directed to American Diabetes Association PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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