Edgar Lee Epperson

Edgar Lee “Ed” Epperson, age 95, of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away on March 5, 2026 after a long and wonderful life. Born on June 3, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to William R. and Mildred B. Epperson, he was the third of four children. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Cordes; daughter Cynthia Lee Ryan of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and granddaughter Samantha Ryan; son Greg Epperson and wife Barb of Salinas, California, and grandchildren Maj. Sarah Long and husband Justin, and Matthew Epperson and wife Emily; son Dr. Patrick Epperson and wife Leila of Livermore, California, grandchildren Jon Epperson, Paul Epperson, and Alejandra Epperson and husband Lt. Justin Morrison, and great-grandchildren Kayleigh and James Morrison; and daughter Cathleen Kwas of Lake Mary, Florida, and grandson Derek Bonilla and wife Victoria.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Patricia, his brothers John and Raymond, his parents William and Mildred, and his sons-in-law David Ryan and Michael Kwas.

At the age of 18, Ed enlisted in the Navy and served with the Navy Air Transport Command VR-3 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Honorably discharged in 1950, he returned home to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Denley. They married in 1951 and raised four children: Cindy, Greg, Patrick, and Cathy. Together they created a home rooted in faith, family, hard work, and community service.

Ed began his career in retail sales with Sears Roebuck & Co. in Fort Wayne, later becoming store manager in Galion, Ohio. He went on to serve as Division Personnel Manager at ITT North Electric Co. Deeply involved in his community, he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and held administrative roles at First United Methodist Church of Galion. He also volunteered with the Auxiliary Police Unit and served as president of the Galion School Board. In 1982, Ed and Pat moved to Kissimmee, Florida, where he became Vice President of Administration at OKI Systems Engineering. In 1987 he began a decade of service as a philanthropic financial consultant, traveling the country with Pat to lead fundraising campaigns for churches. A gifted craftsman, Ed mastered stained glass, model ships, woodworking, and cross-stitch, earning numerous awards at the Florida State Fair. A devout Christian and devoted family man, he touched many lives as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.