1969 Cecil Lepard

In 1969, The Fowlerville Review, which was originally started by G.L. Adams and W.H. Hess in 1874, was promoted nearly a hundred years later as "A Rudnicki Publication Newspaper Established in 1874" with the current publishers Richard and Lena Rudnicki, editor Sandy DeWar, and advertising manager Bette Milliman. The business was located at 135 North Grand Avenue.

In the very early years of this paper, obituaries were long and extensive; giving great detail on how the person passed away and their biography (both in business and personal). As the years progressed and, with new editors and publishers plus a change in how much information was provided, the following obituary for Cecil Lepard is a good example of mid-1900 details:

Cecil Lepard Dies~~Fowlerville businessmen closed their stores Monday from 1 to 3 pm to pay tribute to Cecil L. Lepard, prominent Fowlerville businessman and community leader.

Mr. Lepard, of 807 East Grand River, died unexpectedly Friday at his home. He was 58 years old.

A graduate of Lansing Business University, Mr. Lepard purchased the Chevrolet dealership in October of 1936, at that time located in the Clem Gannon building.

Serving the Fowlerville School Board for 14 years as president, he also served on the Community State Bank, Fowlerville Fair Board, and was an active participant on the McPherson Community Health Center board of officers.

Mr. Lepard was past master of Lodge No. 164 F.&A.M., a charter member and first president of the Fowlerville Rotary Club, an active member of the Fowlerville Commercial Club and the General Motors Planning Commission-Flint Zone.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, two daughters, Mrs. Daniel Cline of Midland and Mrs. James Budd of Beaumont, Texas; a son, Charles of Ann Arbor; one sister, Mrs. Rosalind Schroeder of Onaway and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Ronald Brunger and Rev. William Lutz officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery with members of Masonic Lodge No. 154 conducting graveside services.