Charles Leon Epperson, age 90, a longtime Lemoyne resident, passed away on March 18, 2024, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Charles was born on May 6, 1933, in Pilot Point, Texas. His parents, Roy and Leva Epperson, raised him in the small farming community of Windom, TX, where he graduated high school.
Charlie worked for the American division of Dow Chemical in the oil industry, starting at the bottom washing trucks at the age of 16 and ultimately retiring as a regional executive.
Charlie married Mozelle (Moore) in Snyder, TX in 1951. This union was blessed with two children, Lydia and Doug. The family moved to El Tigre, Venezuela in 1956 due to Charlie's career, and then to Vernal, UT where they made their home. Charlie and Mozelle divorced in 1967.
In 1970, Charlie met Winifred Schooley, while both were involved in stock car racing. They married on August 8, 1970. This union was blessed with two children, Leslie and Russ. The family made Denver, CO their home until Charlie's retirement. In 1984, the family moved to Lewellen, NE and in 1990, Charlie and Winnie bought the Lewellen Lumber company. They successfully ran the business until age and failing health forced them to retire in 2016.
Charlie was a master at many things. He had a life-long passion for gardening. He spent his life as an outdoorsman - hunting, fishing, hiking, white water rafting, and arrowhead hunting. He played semi-pro baseball as a young man. He was an avid golfer. Charlie and Winnie were classic car collectors and enjoyed touring car shows. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Winnie, in 2017.
Survivors include four children, Lydia (David) Gardner of Washington, Doug (Carrie) Epperson of Grand Junction, CO, Leslie (Dennis) Miyamoto of McCook, and Russ Epperson of Lemoyne; grandchildren, Shoen, Brian, Jaron, Devin and Wyatt Gardner, Amy and Quinn Hammond, Michael Epperson, Christian and Chase Miyamoto; along with many great-grandchildren and friends.
Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Tiger Den in Lewellen with Joe Kempton officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at the Ash Hollow Cemetery at a later date.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.