Joe Phillip Lepper

Joe Lepper, born on January 3rd, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2025, in Indianapolis. He was a kind and gentle soul who made a positive impact on any who knew him. 

He graduated from George Washington High School in 1947, after school became a Radio Operator for the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Returning from war he attended Herron School of Art. His career reflected his life-long passion for animals of all kinds. He worked in the pet shop business, then opened his own in the 1960’s at Pendleton Pike and Shadeland Ave. Later worked as a dog groomer for many years. 

Joe and his parents, Ralph, and Lucille Leper, who preceded him in death, were some of the first people to import and breed Basenji dogs from the African Congo. Their dogs made a major impact on the breed in the USA. They had the first Basenji to ever win a Best of Show, Nicki, “Nik Nak” and she won two of them. She was also shown at the Westminster Dog Show. Another dog, Cherry, starred in a John Wayne Production Movie, “Goodbye My Lady,” Costarring Walter Brennen, Sidney Poitier, and Phil Harris. 

Joe included his nephews and niece in learning about animals, taking them with him as he cared for the kennel of Basenjis, later the chickens, goats, rabbits, even the fancy mice, and birds, he raised and cared for and competed with at shows. 

 The last seven years of his life he was very involved in the social life at The Wyndmoor Senior Living community, where he served on the Resident Board, As an Officer of the Garden Club, and as an ambassador for helping guide new residents into the social structure of the community. He also loved to attend the Sunday morning Church Services, whenever capable, providing hand designed flower arrangements for it. 

Joe is survived by his sister Cynthia Morgan, his nephews Jim, and wife Jodi Morgan, Phil and wife, Tink Morgan of Florida, his niece Sylvia Kapil, and husband Retish Kapil of Texas. Also, his great-niece and nephews Mike and wife Elaine Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Katie and husband Jake Ford of Texas, and Lucas Kapil, as well as great – great niece and nephew, Isolde, and Abel Morgan. 

Services for Joe will by held, Monday, January 27, 2025, at 12pm, at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46250. Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Indianapolis, IN

Indiana Funeral Care is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.