Irven Carl Epperson Jr., 77, Bland, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Carl was born Aug. 27, 1942, in Wainwright, Okla. to Irven Carl Sr. and Helen (Newell) Epperson. Carl was the oldest of eight children.
Carl was united in marriage May 29, 1965, to Eva Mae Sipes in Oktaha, Okla., and to this union two children were born.
In his early life, Carl worked on his grandparent’s family farm in Wainwright. Carl was a hardworking man. He attended Wainwright Public Schools and Northeaster State University in Tahleguah, Okla., with a degree in teaching. He taught 43 years in Gasconade County R-3/Maries County R-2 Schools in Bland/Belle. He also worked 20 years for Kingsford Charcoal in Belle. After retiring from Kingsford, he went to work for Mace Supermarket in Belle and he managed apartments for Maco Management as well. Carl earned the nickname “Buck” as he was always actively involved in various fundraisers to make money for school activities or people in need.
After failing health forced him into the nursing facility, Carl made the best he could of it. He loved to play bingo, go to the casino and participate in the outings so he could see the people he so dearly missed. Carl loved fishing and was known for his chili.
Most everyone knew Carl and loved him. He was a kind, caring, soft-spoken, hardworking man. Carl always had a smile on his face and was willing to lend a helping hand. “Mr. Epperson” as he was called by most was truly a special person. Carl deeply loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He served as an inspiration to us all and will never be forgotten. Carl was so very loved and is dearly missed.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Eva, in August of 2018 and his daughter, Melissa Cunningham in December of 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Irven Sr. and Helen Epperson; his beloved grandparents, Charles and Myrtle Newell; sister, Debbie Henkel; and special aunt, Blanche Bailey.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Dawn Hoss and husband Tim of Fort Myers, Fla.; grandchildren, Tyler Hoss and wife Jodi of St. James, Brandi Schwab and husband Ryan of Bland, Brendon Wiles (Karen Carell) of Rolla and Taylor Cunningham (Logan Schroeder) of Belle; great-grandchildren, Emberlyn, Logan, Zoey, Abel and Brayden; son-in-law, Greg Cunningham of Bland; siblings, Linda Crutchfield of Lewisville, Texas, Tom Epperson of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, David Epperson of Mt. Vernon, Texas, Diane Wilson of Terrill Texas, Marsha Martinez of Taylor, Texas and Barbara Jones of Mt. Pleasant, Texas.
Carl is also survived by brothers-in-law, Cecil Sipes and Gale Sipes of Oktaha, Okla., and Lee Sipes of Fort Smith, Ark., and sister-in-law, Sybil Davis of Bixby, Okla., as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 2 at Gottenstroeter Chapel in Owensville with Rev. Bruce Elmore officiating. Burial was in Old Bland Cemetery in Bland.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations toward final expenses.
