Robert Byron “Bob” Epperson, lifelong resident of the Ponca City area, passed Saturday, September 21, 2013 in Edmond, Oklahoma at the age of 72. 

Bob was born March 6, 1941 at Red Rock, Oklahoma, the son of Robert Taylor Epperson and Alma Lanore (Bebe) Epperson. He was a graduate of Ponca City High School. He was married to Margaret Ann Forbes on June 16, 1960 in Ponca City. 

He was employed 32 years with Continental Carbon of Ponca City, retiring as a supervisor in 1999. He served his country in the Oklahoma National Guard 45th Infantry Brigade and was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church. Bob’s enjoyments included spending time with his family, fishing, camping, sports and building things with his hands. He loved his family and will be remembered as an affectionate and loving dad and papa.

 

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret Ann Forbes Epperson; one son, Byron Dean Epperson, Sr. and wife Deborah of Edmond; one daughter, Tracy Schooling and husband John of Winfield, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Christin Marie Gamber, Brandon Michael Sampley, Joshua Joseph Hines, Erin Aleyna Hines and Byron Dean Epperson, Jr., Shanea Chrisman, Allyse Chrisman, Jason Schooling and Shawn Schooling; eight great grandchildren, Mark Gamber, Alyssa Gamber, Jadyn Hines, Madilyn Hines, Braylee Sampley, Ella Sampley, Bentley Chrisman and Jasper Schooling; four sisters, Charlotte Wells and husband Lloyd of Ponca City, Reta McDonald of Ponca City, Donna Nuttle of Glenwood, Arkansas and Linda Campbell of Edmond; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alma Epperson; two granddaughters, Samantha Del Chrisman and Abigayle Faith Epperson. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at the Second Baptist Church 1112 West Grand, Ponca City. Senior Pastor, Dr. Dan Maxwell of the Chisholm Creek Baptist Church of Edmond will preside over the service. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. 

Casket bearers are Jason Schooling, Shawn Schooling, Brandon Michael Sampley, Joshua Joseph Hines, John Schooling, Clifford “Bobby Grant” Epperson, Jimmy Epperson and Lloyd Wells. 

Memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be made in lieu of flowers to Mercy Hospice of Oklahoma City, 4401 West Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73134.