Joe Robert Gephart

Fishers, Indiana - Joe Gephart, 87, of Fishers, Indiana passed away, Saturday, August 30, 2025. Joe was born in Lafayette, Indiana on June 1, 1938 to the late Oscar and Dorothy Gephart. Joe grew up on a farm in Otterbein, Indiana. He had one sibling, Richard Gephart (preceded in death).

Joe was a graduate of Otterbein High School in 1956. After high school, Joe graduated from the Purdue Agriculture short course program and was in the Indiana National Guard for six years. He then worked with his father and brother on the family farm.

In 1962, Joe married the love of his life, Elaine Liptrap (preceded in death). Joe and Elaine settled on their farm in Greenhill, Indiana. He continued his farming career for over 40 years, often referring to himself as "just the caretaker".

Joe is survived by his family: one son, Thomas (Tami) Gephart, of Richmond Heights, Ohio and two daughters, Sue Ellen (Chris) Chopp, of Fishers, Indiana and Sally (Greg) Mann, of Zionsville, Indiana; four beloved grandchildren, Caroline (Lucas) Hoffman, Joe (Aliese) Chopp, Jake (Allie) Mann and Luke Mann. His nieces and nephews were very important to him; Pam (Tom) Robertson, David (Kay) Gephart, Nancy (John) Chapman, Dan (Linda) Gephart.

Joe was a life-long member of Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church and enjoyed many church activities and fellowship. He sat on the Armstrong Cemetery board for many years. He was also active in the community: Otterbein volunteer ambulance board, Lafayette Lions Club and Lafayette Antique Car Club. Joe especially enjoyed Purdue sports, specifically Purdue basketball. He was a member of the John Purdue Club for over 50 years. He started getting season tickets to the Purdue basketball games in Lambert Fieldhouse in 1966. Joe attended the inaugural game in Mackey Arena in 1967. Many fun memories were made going to Purdue basketball games throughout the years.

Joe also loved spending time with family and friends at Raccoon Lake and Lake Cumberland. He loved boating, fishing and water skiing. Joe enjoyed a competitive game of euchre with family and friends. In addition, Joe enjoyed going out to eat, traveling and spending time in Florida.

We will always remember Joe's love for people, his smile and friendly wave, and life motto "treat others the way you want to be treated".

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at The Stratford Assisted Living Community (Carmel) for providing such loving care.

A visitation and funeral will be held at Armstrong Chapel (7720 N. Armstrong Chapel Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906) on Sunday, September 14th. The visitation will be from 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. with the funeral to follow at 3:00p.m. Burial will follow at the Armstrong Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Armstrong Chapel, PO Box 446, Otterbein, IN 47970 or Armstrong Cemetery Association, PO Box 446, Otterbein, IN 47970. Shoemaker Funeral Home in Otterbein is assisting Joe's family.

Visit Shoemaker Funeral Home-Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page or www.shoemakerfh.com to leave any condolences or share a memory.