Erwin ‘Ep’ Epley of Woodward

Erwin “Ep” Epley, 78, of Woodward passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at his home with his family at his side.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care in Perry. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 8 from 1-7 p.m., with family present from 4-7 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Burial will be at the Woodward Cemetery in Woodward.

Memorials will be given to his family and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.

Erwin “Ep” Earl Epley was born Oct. 17, 1939, at the family farm in Johnson County, Neb., to Charles Franklin and Fannie (Hoffman) Epley.

He graduated from Elk Creek High School in Elk Creek, Neb., with the class of 1958. He continued his education by attending the Peru State Teachers College in Peru, Neb., graduating in 1962.

Ep was united in marriage to Sue Ellen Moodey at Stella, Neb., July 3, 1960.

He taught and coached at Panora-Linden for eight years, from 1962 to 1970, then at Central Dallas in Minburn for 30 years, from 1970 to 2001.

After retirement he drove a school bus route for Woodward-Granger until about a year ago.

Ep enjoyed watching softball, baseball, track, basketball, volleyball and all high school sporting events. He also spent time doing woodworking projects, playing golf, mowing yards, coaching his granddaughter’s softball games, watching westerns and playing cards and carroms.

In death he rejoins his parents, Charles and Fannie Epley; a daughter, Ann Yvonne Epley; and a sister, Eunice Parrish.

Left to cherish Ep’s memory are his wife, Sue Ellen Epley; children, Douglas (Becky) Epley of Linden, Todd Epley of Woodward and Deb (Mark) Gilbert of Woodward; grandchildren, Erin (Nick Ridler) Gilbert, Dani Gilbert, Seth Epley and Brooklynn Epley; siblings, Eldon (Ruth) Epley, Evelyne (Matt) Gaggiano and Elnore (Ferd) Ortiz.