Robert John Epperson
March 27, 1925 - April 24, 2015
Bob Epperson, 90, of Murray, UT passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 24th. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beth Waller Epperson, and their two children, Robert "Bobby" Hampton Epperson and Elizabeth Ann Epperson Mitchell.
Bob was born to Allan Dilworth Haymond and Phyllis Mary Hampton on March 27, 1925. He was raised by his mother and his grandparents, Leon Brigham ("Unc") and Sarah Elizabeth Moore Hampton. They lived in Salt Lake City, Utah during his early years and moved to Portland, Oregon in 1937. Bob was an avid Cardinals fan from the time he was 9 years old and listened to the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Detroit Tigers in the 1934 World Series while he was homebound with the mumps. Bob attended Lincoln High School where he played basketball, football, and ran on the track team.
On March 4, 1943, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was only 17 at the time and still in high school, but was eager to go and serve his country. After graduation he went to boot camp at Quantico, Virginia and graduated in 1945 as 2nd Lieutenant. He served in World War II for just a few months before the war ended in 1945. Then he was sent to China for 13 months to finish his service.
Bob met Beth Waller on a blind date lined up by his cousin. They were married on August 29, 1947. In 1950, Bob was recalled into the service and sent to Korea for 15 months. Captain Epperson was part of the epic Battle of Chosin Reservoir. There is a memorial to honor the "Chosin Few" at the V.A. Hospital in Salt Lake City. He received the Silver Star as well as many other medals for his service.
Bob left the Marine Corps in 1958 and worked for Sears Roebuck for 22 years. He also worked for M. Genauer & Co. selling denim goods to JC Penney's in the western states.
Bob was only 3 months old when his grandparents first took him to Holiday Park in the Uintah Mountains. This "summer home" has been a huge part of his life and he and Beth have enjoyed a lifetime of special memories and friendships in this wonderful neighborhood. Bob served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Holiday Park Corporation from 1988 to 2011. He was also the "self-appointed" Mayor of Holiday Park. It is a place that is treasured not only by Bob and Beth, but by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is their family legacy.
Following a heart attack and very difficult by-pass surgery in May 1978, Bob had a spiritual experience that changed the course of his life. Bob and Beth were sealed in the Jordan River Temple on January 18, 1979. He and Beth served an LDS Mission in Philadelphia from 1981-1983 and it was one of the greatest experiences of his life. They also served a patron temple mission from 1991-1998 in St. George, Utah.
Bob Epperson was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a Democrat and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest legacy he has left his posterity. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Epperson, and his oldest grandson, Robert "Rob" Hampton Epperson. He and Beth have 10 grandchildren and have always found joy and rejoicing in their posterity: Patti and Steve Jorgensen (American Fork), Max "Epp" and Lana Mitchell (Santaquin), Andrew and Jeni Epperson (Lehi), Scott and Elise Mitchell (Provo), Anthony and Andrea Mitchell (Payson), Erin and Rod Poulsen (Lehi), Rebecca and Jared Bennett (Santaquin), A.J. Epperson (Santaquin), Jimmy and Linzi Epperson (Lehi), and Thomas and Hannah Mitchell (Santaquin). They also have 37 great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life on Monday, April 27th from 6-8:00pm at the Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be available at the north entrance. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral on Tuesday, April 28th from 10-10:45am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse at 755 East Three Fountains Drive in Murray. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity.
In Loving Memory
My wife Marie and I met Bob & Beth in 2004 while on a Grand Circle trip to Thailand. I'm a retired enlisted Marine and Marines always seem to gravitate to each other. The Thailand tour was no exception. I enjoyed chatting with Bob and did so at every opportunity. We served in the Marine Corps during different eras so our conversations were always most interesting. Bob was such a gentleman and it was easy to see kindness was also one of his virtues. I was saddened to read of his passing. Marie and I extend our sincere condolences to Beth, Bob's family and his many friends. Semper Fidelis, Bob Keep Heaven's streets guarded! Bob Duerden MGySgt (Ret) Green Valley, AZ
Robert Duerden
Green Valley, Ar
Dear Beth, It is with great fondness that the extended Hardy family remembers Bob and you. We are so sorry for your loss, but are grateful for our knowledge of the eternal nature of families. We loved hearing Bob's stories of Holiday Park through the years. We were partakers of his sense of humor, his warmth, and his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You have both effected the lives of 4 generations of the Hardy family. You always made us feel so welcome when we came to Holiday Park. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. With love, Maren Hardy Hale, Daughter of Ralph Williams and Maren Eccles Hardy; and sister of Ralph (Carole), Clare (Jonathan Johnson), Alison (Craig Decker), and David (Jane).
Maren Hardy Hale
Provo, Ut
Dear Beth and family, I will always remember Bob and his ,warm smile, fun sense of humor and kindness. He always reminded me that his family owned our cabin prior to us and I hope that the Turpin and Hampton cabins will be happy neighbors for many years to come. Beth, you never cease to amaze me with your youthful spirit and all of the good deals you do for me and so many in our little mountain community. We will miss Bob but know he will always be present in spirit in our hearts and at Holiday Park. Love you Traci Brower
Traci Staker Brower
Woodland Hills, Ca
May I respectfully offer my condolences for your recent loss. As a post note or memory please know that I personally found Bob to be most courteous and conversational in the almost 20 years I knew him - which I highly appreciated - he was to me always an example of "one of the good guys"!
bob higginson
South Jordan Utah, Ut
My condolences on the passing of Robert John Epperson. I did not know hiim, nor (as far as I am aware) do I know anyone in his family. However, I was impressed upon reading his obituary in the Deseret News not only for his life accomplishments and service to our nation, but that he also was a Democrat and an active LDS. Now, I am a Republican, not a Democrat, but I am pleased and proud that there are people who are willing to take a different political view than the majority, be open about it, and work to maintain high ideals on both sides of the political spectrum. God bless Robert Epperson and those who love him.
Paul H. Smith
Cedar City, Ut
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. No matter how long our loved one lives, death always bring sorrow. The Bible gives much hope and comfort. At John 5:28,28 we find the hope of the resurrection. And Revelation 21:3-5 tells of a time when death will be no more. May our loving God, who is near to those broken at heart, grant you comfort in your time of need.
Kim Bailey
nan, nan
Beth, Bobby & Liz: I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was always a bit bigger than life to me. Some of my earliest - and best - memories as a child are of Bob and the ranch and cabin and his hilariously irreverent friendship with Dad. My deepest condolences and I pray you find comfort in his amazing life. Bless you and yours. Mike
Michael "Pussycat" Carter
Seattle, WA