Robert Stanley Hepler

Robert, known as Bob—and to his siblings, “Bobby”—was born November 5, 1942, in Louisville. In 1958, he bought his first car: a baby-blue Chevy convertible to match his Paul Newman eyes. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1960 and married the love of his life, Diana Hepler, in 1961.

Bob was the classic salesman: charming, outgoing, and someone who never met a stranger. He spent most of his adult life in the beer business, starting out as a truck driver for Dixie Beer Distributing, whose primary products included Miller Brewing Co. and Pabst Brewing Co. At the time, he was fond of referring to Falls City Beer and Budweiser as “piss water.”

He quickly moved up through the ranks into sales and merchandising. When Dixie Beer became River City Beer Distributing, Bob and his partner in crime, John Schwope, shared an executive office and conference room, where they helped oversee operations. Shortly before Bob’s retirement, River City changed hands again and became the behemoth known today as River City Distributing. Bob served as Sales Manager before retiring in 2004.

When you’re the “beer guy,” everyone knows your name.

Bob loved his customers and always went the extra mile—even getting out of bed at midnight if the taps were clogged somewhere. He certainly didn’t mind working alongside the Miller Girls, either, or enjoying the VIP treatment that came with many major events. Hikes Point became “wet” thanks in part to his efforts, and there are countless other stories for which you simply had to be there.

Above all, Bob was a family man. He coached his sons’ Little League teams and trained his daughter in competitive swimming. At some point along the way, he decided to take up golf. He was terrible at it—but he loved the game. After years of practice, he became quite a good player and was a member of Midland Trail Golf Club, where he also tended bar during his retirement.

Bob lived a good life—and he lived it on his terms, with a twinkle in his eye, a can-do attitude, and a determination to enjoy the ride.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diana Hepler, and his son, Robby Hepler.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan R. Weber; his son, Wade R. Hepler (Sydney Hepler); his goddaughter, Ashley Turner (Norah & Clara); grandchildren Jake Weber (Asha), Lucas Weber, and Hannah Hepler; step-grandchildren Lee and Nichola Ansell; and great-grandchildren Beau, Mack, and Ava Weber.

He also leaves behind his loving companion, Susie Schaaf, who was truly the center of his world!

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by burial at Resthaven Memorial Park.

A reception will be held 1pm – 3pm at The Grand Senior Living, 9300 Civic Way, Prospect, KY 40059.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.