Virgil Leroy Lepley – January 15, 1942 – July 30, 2022
Virgil peacefully left this earth at his Coarsegold home on July 30th, 2022 to join his Mother Mary Belle, Father Virgil J. Lepley, and brothers Bobbie Lepley and Danny Lepley.
Virgil was born in Indianola, Iowa, and was raised on a potato farm. After his father’s untimely death when he was only 7 years old, Virgil had many responsibilities helping take care of his two younger brothers and helping his mom make ends meet. He delivered newspapers and later made bread at a local bakery early mornings before attending school.
Virgil followed his high school sweetheart Sandy to Los Angeles California to pursue college classes majoring in History but his passion for the outdoors led him into landscaping and later tree service work.
Sandy and Virgil were married and later divorced, they adopted a daughter.
When Virgil was 34 he decided to come to visit Yosemite one last time before making his way to Florida. His truck broke down in Coarsegold and his second wife Kathryn “Kay” picked him up hitchhiking. They were married and later divorced, they have 3 daughters together and two stepdaughters. Needless to say, he never made it to Florida.
Virgil worked at a gravel company for a short time in Coarsegold and in Yosemite clearing trails and collecting firewood for campsites. He also worked at various local tree service companies before starting his own.
Virgil worked well into his 70s keeping busy climbing and felling trees, he also trained many new employees to climb and fell as well.
His daughter Julie Allen and Son in law Brook Allen now own the business Lepley Trees here in Oakhurst, Ca.
Virgil met the love of his life, Jackie Otero, in 2000 at a singles church meeting, they were married and resided in Coarsegold for 22 years.
They had a lovely life together enjoying their grandchildren, hosting family meals, camping trips, traveling, storytelling festivals and so much more.
Virgil loved his family!
He also loved roller skating, plants, climbing trees, bowling, camping, singing, dancing, flirting, smiling, El Cids margaritas, watching old westerns, his wife’s amazing zucchini cake, coffee, attending church, praying and sharing Gods word with whoever was in need.
Virgil is survived by his wife of 22 years Jackie Lepley, 3 step sons Mike Otero, Casey Otero, Matt Otero and 9 grand children.
Adopted daughter Juanita Lepley
Daughters Joy Cibulskis, Angel Lepley, Julie Allen and 6 grand children.
Step daughters Amy Goodwin, Natalie Goodwin, 5 grand children and 7 great grand children.
Virgil’s kind and loving heart lives on here in our community through everyone of your memories, we would love for you to come share and join us for his Celebration of Life
Saturday September 10th, 2022 2 to 5 pm at the Oakhurst Community Center
Cake, cookies and refreshments will be served.
Condolences and contributions can be mailed to:
Julie Smith
PO Box 27
Oakhurst, Ca. 93644
or Venmo: @Julie-Smith-1061
to RSVP message or call Angel (559)760-0927
