Loren "Wayne" Pepple
Aug. 5, 1928-April 30, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Loren ‘Wayne’ Pepple, 96, passed away on April 30th, 2025, at Gordon Manor, Redwood City, CA.

Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence and Robert, an infant sister, half-brother Clarence, and his parents, Ivan and Elsie (Overbey) Pepple. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Margaret (Harville) and their children, Merriam Hanley (Robert) of Tehachapi, CA, Monica Pepple of Bloomington, IL, and Loren Pepple II of Odin, IL.

Wayne was born August 5, 1928, on a farm near Belle Rive, IL. In his early years, he attended a nearby one-room schoolhouse like the one where his mother taught. After high school, Wayne attended Southern Illinois University where he met his future wife, Margaret. They farmed in rural Illinois for a few years, after which Wayne joined the Marine Corps. During that time, they lived in California and North Carolina before returning to Illinois. Wayne returned to school and obtained a degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After graduation in 1961, Wayne and Margaret moved to Palo Alto, CA. Wayne had a long and successful career that spanned more than 30 years with the Illinois Central Railroad, Pacific Fruit Express, and Southern Pacific Railroad as a civil engineer, working his way up to Director of Hazardous Materials with Southern Pacific. He was honored by the Association of American Railroads as a member and vice chairman of the Bureau of Explosives Steering Committee for his service which enhanced the safe transportation of hazardous materials in North America. After retiring in 1990, Wayne and Margaret enjoyed splitting their time between Palo Alto, CA and Odin, IL where Margaret grew up.

Family was very important to Wayne. No matter where he went, he was always on the look-out for anyone who was related to him. Job number 1 to him was taking care of his wife and children. Everything he did, he did for them. Church was always an important part of his life and he was a long-time member of Palo Alto First Christian Church and Odin Christian Church.

Wayne will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his generosity to others. To honor his memory, the family suggests donations to a church or charity of your choice.

Tags: veteran, business