Aug. 7, 1937 – Aug. 22, 2013
Elmer Ira Van Epps, 76, of Sweet Home died Aug. 22, 2013 in Corvallis.
He was born Aug. 7, 1937 in Holley to Ira and Mildred (Fruit) Van Epps.
He lived in the Sweet Home area his entire life, graduating with the Sweet Home Union High School Class of 1956.
On Nov. 20, 1962 he married is wife of 50 years, Marilyn Sturgis, in Lebanon. He worked at various mills in the area before retiring on May 30, 1998.
Mr. Van Epps was a simple, hardworking man who enjoyed gardening, fishing and Saturday Market at the Elks in Lebanon.
One of his greatest joys was being a grandpa and great-grandpa.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Van Epps of Sweet Home; daughter Rhonda and son-in-law Skip Miller of Sweet Home; son Jerry Van Epps of Albany; sisters Jean Blackwell of Crawfordsville and Ruth Sumstine of Lebanon; brothers Ralph Van Epps of Sweet Home, Carl and sister-in-law Shirley Van Epps of Lebanon; two grandsons; a great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; and a brother and sister-in-law of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Mr. Van Epps was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Elbert, Glen, Lyle and Iris Gates.
A Celebration of Life Open House is planned for Monday, Sept. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., at his home.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.