Floyd Epperson

He was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to Harvey LeeAndrew Epperson and Mamie Ethyl James.

He was the second of four sons. At the age of 14, he entered the Civilian Conservation Camps where he learned many of the skills he would use throughout his life. He entered the Army Air Force in 1942 in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. During his time in the service, he was stationed at English Field in Amarillo, TX and at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington.

It was also during his time in the Army Air Force, he met the love of his life, Doris Carlton, at the local Western Union office, where he had gone to pick up a telegram to be delivered to the base. She told the other girls in the office that he was the one she was going to marry.” Story has it that he made a similar comment to those with whom he came in contact. Sure enough, they were married approximately sixty days later on July 31, 1943.

To this union came the first of three kids, Floyd Kent, otherwise known to family as “Ricky” in 1944 and two years later a daughter, Beverly. As a family of four, they enjoyed trips to the lake waterskiing, traveling to visit family in other states and also visiting interesting sites.

Floyd worked as a civilian employee at the Helium plant in Amarillo as well as at what was then Amarillo Air Force Base. In 1961, another daughter, Melissa was born. It was quite a change from having teenagers in the house! Floyd worked at Amarillo Air Force Base until its closing in 1968 at which time he transferred to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock working there until he retired in 1987. He had a total of 40 years with the government.

One of Floyd’s greatest joys was his kids and grand kids. He never met a baby he couldn’t calm down and within minutes of being handed to him, the baby would be laughing. He enjoyed teaching the grandkids to work with tools of all kinds. They worked on the cars with him, learning as they went. Floyd also enjoyed working with wood, making things such as reindeer, turkeys, benches and quilt racks. His signature was the heart he put on them. Floyd was an integral part of the community. A member of the First Baptist Church in Shallowater for over 50 years, he was at church every Sunday morning. He was also a member of the Shallowater Lions Club, having served as President in 1972. A 28 year member of the Shallowater Fire Department where as Chief, he was instrumental in the building of an additional station as well as the design and acquisition of new trucks and equipment for the department. He was a member of the Shallowater Masonic Lodge, where he was the Worshipful Master. This was an important part of his life, leading family members to join in Masonry.

He drove a daily school bus route as well as transported the Mustang Band to different games and contests. Doris used their van to carry the instruments to each event. They were a part of the band boosters and supported the school in any way they could. Floyd also never met a stranger, he liked to laugh and always had a joke ready.

Floyd was proud of his family and the many things they have accomplished.

He is survived by his son Floyd K. and wife Lyn, Beverly Newland and husband Ralph, and Melissa Reddin and husband Anthony Garza. He is also survived by Jim Crownover and wife Wanda, who was like another son to him. Grandchildren are Sean Epperson, Tamara Schneider, Steven Epperson, Eric Newland, Jason Reddin, Andy Reddin and Jamie Gibson. Great grandchildren are Zach, Dakota, Christina, Micah, Joshua, Jeremy, Jesse, Jaici, Josie, Emily, Cole, Savannah, Debby, Catalina, Sadie, Kiki, Caleb, Gracelynn, Avery and one on the way. Great-great grandchildren are Carter, Aubree, Kymani, Julie, Mayva, Eva, Aaron and Brielle. He is also survived by two sisters.

He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Doris; his parents; three brothers, two sisters and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church Shallowater, with Rev Gary Koerner, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.