* Charles D. Hepler; Former Reader’s Digest Publisher

Charles D. Hepler, who was publisher of the Reader’s Digest from 1968 to 1980. Hepler, who was in his mid-70s but never wanted his precise age known, was publisher of the state-owned New Mexico magazine until early this year. A native of Royal Oak, Mich., Hepler attended Louisiana State, Indiana and Butler universities and was a decorated combat pilot during World War II. He began his career working for newspapers and was later associate publisher of U.S. News & World Report. He joined Reader’s Digest in 1955. During his 12 years as publisher, Hepler increased the magazine’s circulation from about 16 million to 28 million and helped launch 22 of its 28 overseas editions. On Monday in Santa Fe, N.M., of lung cancer.