Vernon John Lepre, Jr.

Vernon John Lepre, Jr., 76, of D’Iberville, MS went to his final resting place on Saturday, December 12, 2020 after a long battle with cancer and other medical complications. He was born on February 4, 1944. He attended St. Theresa Catholic School and graduated from D’Iberville High School in 1962. After graduating, he served in the Army National Guard Reserves for 6 years. He went to work at the Gulfport SeaBee Base where he was a firefighter for 10 years. He then went to Keesler Air Force Base as a fire inspector and later became Chief fire inspector, where he retired after 20 years of service. He was a faithful member of Daisy Masonic Lodge #421 Vancleave for over 40 years, where he served as Past Master and Secretary. He was also a member of Magnolia Lodge #120 Biloxi, where he was Past Master. His hobbies included spending time with his family whom he loved dearly and to fellowship with his Masonic brothers. Vernon was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Lepre, Sr. and his mother, Dorothy Beaugez Lepre. He was also preceded in death by his little dog, Pepper. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 1/2 years, Kathy Diaz Lepre, his daughters Melanie Romero and Michele Lamb, grandchildren Anthony (Amanda) Romero, Katie Lamb and Chad Lamb, his great-grandchildren Lola Kirkland, Ava Lynn Romero and Mariella Romero. He is also survived by his sisters Marylyn Lepre, Barbara Lepre and adopted sister Patricia Steele, brothers-in-law Ralph Diaz, Jr. (Carol Sue), Chester Diaz, Sr. (Nancy) and sister-in-law RoseAnn Seymour (De-Donk-deceased) and also numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his lifelong friend Elvin Battaya, Jr. Vernon will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Pavlov, Dr. Eva Magiros, Dr. Brian Persing, Dr. Marshall Walker, Dr. Alan Crawford and all the other healthcare officials who attended to his medical needs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Swetman Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lepre family.