We had to teach our kids about death and the loss of someone close for the first time. We explained how Great-Grandpa Bob was so special to everyone and how Max was named after him. Max then said, "I'm kind of like a memory of Great-Grandpa Bob" Yes you are, son.
I wanted Tony to write this post but it's too soon for him right now. Grandpa Bob was a huge part of his life and a huge part of who he is as a man. It wasn't long after knowing Tony that I knew about Grandpa Bob and it wasn't long after we were married that we decided that our first son would be named after him. Eventually Tony will add his thoughts to this post.
Grandpa Bob passed away on October 5th, 2012. He had stopped being able to really swallow well the Sunday before. After a few days the hospice workers kept a close vigil. He waited until none of his loved ones were in the room to go.
Obituary: Epperson
Published: 10/9/2012 3:10:23 PM
Last Updated: 10/10/2012 6:19:27 PM
Robert (Bob) Max Epperson died Oct. 5, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nev. from age-
related health issues. He was 88.
He was born May 18, 1924 to Lloyd and Irma (Pittman) Epperson in Boulder,
Colo. He married Margaret Joan (Crawford) Epperson on Aug. 15, 1948.
He was a World War II veteran who served on the USS Salt Lake City. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals. He was a longtime Scouter: a Scoutmaster and Unit Commissioner and awarded the Silver Beaver.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Joan (Crawford) Epperson; his sons, Eric Robert, Roger John, Randall Max and James Andrew Epperson; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren.
Services will be held on Monday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14340 S. Donovan Rd., Oregon City, Ore. Bishop Jeffrey Glenn will officiate.
Military internment will take place at noon at the Willamette National Cemetery. Lincoln Memorial is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions are not necessary, but those who would like, can please donate to the Boy Scouts of America or the Wounded Warriors Project.
As published in the Molalla Pioneer website molallapioneer.com
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Grandpa Bob had full military honors. There was a 3 gun salute, a bugle that played taps and Grandma was presented with an American flag. I loved hearing the Eulogy which Randy gave and a talk by J. Grandpa Bob was revered by many.
This post is definitely going to evolve over time. I was just thinking about Grandpa Bob again. He was always working. He wore coveralls and if you were wondering where he was, you just had to go look in the shop. It was the same with Tony when we were visiting. He and Grandpa would be out there working on some project. We always loved Grandpa's prayers. He would bless "the boys and their families" everytime. When he would hug me, he would would always kind of chuckle and say, "You're okay" or "you're alright". Grandma and Grandpa came up to Tacoma when I graduated with my Master of Social Work degree. They came up that weekend and stayed a week to see Michael graduate from high school. They could have just made a short trip to see Michael's graduation, but they came and sat through my boring ceremony too ; ) I know they were partially dependent on the ride they were given, but it still meant a lot to have them there. Also, Grandpa Bob loved to talk about his time in World War II. I had some friends over to Kate and J's house after a bbq to celebrate graduating. Grandpa Bob took them into the family room where the big pictures of his war days were. He talked to each of them about the pictures and flying on the Kingfisher. It was so neat to see his pride and hear his stories first hand.
I love that Grandpa was able to stand in the circle when Max was blessed and I love the pictures I have of Grandpa and Max together. One of my favorite memories is when we were in Oregon for the fourth of July. I believe it was July of 2008 but I'm not certain. We all went to church together in Molalla and I was sitting next to Grandpa. He offered to share the hymnal with me and we were singing "My Country 'tis of Thee". I couldn't hold in the tears to think that I was sitting with someone who had put their life on the line for our country. He was definitely a hero.
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