Dr. Robert Oscar Jepsen DVM

Dr. Robert O. Jepsen DVM, age 89, of Canal Winchester, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on June 23, 1936, at Sterling Loving Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to the late Dr. Oscar and Mildred Jepsen.

He married the love of his life, Marilyn Davis, on October 14, 1962, who he met while attending OSU.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; three children, James (Dee) Jepsen of Amanda, Ohio, Judith (Greg) Conrad of New Holland, Ohio and Ronald Jepsen of Lancaster, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Cheyenne (Brandon) Erb, Sierra (Fiancé, Wyatt Anthony) Jepsen, Mikayla (Cameron) Gibbs, Macy (Kent) Maki, Macrae Conrad, Maylon Conrad, Colby Jepsen and Hunter (Lauren) Jepsen; three great grandchildren, Emmett and Tucker Gibbs and Leighton Erb; brothers-in-law, Bob Davis of Logan, Ohio, Jim (Jan) Davis of Brookville, Ohio, Marvin Gray of Indianapolis, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Delbert and Frieda Davis, sister, Janice Gray, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Clark and Mary Davis, Don and Margie Davis and Janet Davis.

Bob was a lifelong resident of the Canal Winchester area, where he graduated from Canal Winchester High School. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a major in animal science in 1958, and he received his DVM from OSU in 1962. From 1962-1968 he was employed as a Veterinarian for the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1968, Bob became a Veterinary Supervisor in meat inspection for the State of Ohio, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. At that time, he returned to Chevylane Farms, which he owned and operated for 60 plus years. He was a shepherd until health issues forced him into retirement from farming.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster where he served on the board of Trustees, served on the Board of Directors of The Wagnall’s Memorial Library and was a 4-H advisor for several years. Bob was an American Farmer and an Eagle Scout. He loved to follow his children and grandchildren in their various activities whether it was sports, music, FFA and 4-H meetings, showing cattle and sheep at county fairs and shows.

While Bob was known for having a strong faith in God and an abiding love for his family and his farm, he will be remembered most for the light in his eyes, the warmth of his smile, and the gentleness of his character. All who knew Bob witnessed his kind heart and gentle nature - an example that will forever live on.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Nikki Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Lithopolis Cemetery. Friends may visit Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Memorial gifts may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 163 E. Wheeling St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, c/o Ohio State University Foundation, 460 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210 or online at OSUCCC – James, American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515 or charity of donor’s choice.

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