Leon Lonnie G. Schipper, 86, of Akron, Ind., passed away at 2:13 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013, at home with his family by his side.

He was born April 30, 1926, in Wabash, Ind., to Albert E. and Hazel (Bahney) Schipper. On June 9, 1951, he married Betty (Shireman) Schipper at Emmanuel EUB Church in Roann, Ind. She survives.

He and his wife operated a dairy farm south east of Akron for over 40 years. He attended Akron and Gilead schools; graduating from Laketon High School in 1944. He served as a gunner’s mate in the Navy during WWII; receiving and honorable discharge June 9, 1946.

He was a devoted member of Silver Creek Church of God of Silver Lake for over 50 years where he faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Betty Schipper, Akron; a daughter: Jan (Dan) Yoder, Claypool, Ind.; two sons: Steve (Sheila) Schipper, Macy, Ind.; Chris (Dena) Schipper, Akron, Ind.; eight grandchildren: Ryan Yoder, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Danielle Yoder Kirtley, Grabill, Ind.; Spencer Schipper, Waterford, Mich.; Shanna Schipper Hawkens, Chicago, Ill.; Skyler Schipper, Mooresville, N.C.; Jaclyn, Kirsten and Christopher Schipper, Akron; six great-grandchildren: Halli Yoder, Kayden and Kolten Kirtley, Annsley and Easton Schipper and Adalynn Hawkens.

He was preceded in death by three sisters: Betty Jane Kotterman, Mary Ellen Shock and Darlene Kay Salyer; and four brothers: Roy, Albert Jr., James and Gary Schipper.

Visitation is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at Silver Creek Church of God 6504 W. 1300 S. Silver Lake, Ind. Pastor Tom Craig with officiate. Burial will be in Silver Creek Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Memorial Contributions to: Silver Creek Church of God of Silver Lake and the Gideon’s International.