Robert Marlin Eppley

1917 - 2005

Robert Marlin Eppley, 88, of Carlisle, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, at the Harrisburg Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born April 28, 1917, in Carlisle, he was the son of the late Frank A. and Velva J. (Finkey) Eppley.

Mr. Eppley was an employee of the original Carlisle Meat Market (now Giant Food). He worked for Herbertz Meat Packing Co. in 1936 and served as one of the first road salesmen for Hollinger Meat Products from 1939 to 1971. From 1971 to 1982 he was a salesman for Kessler's Meat Co., where he repeatedly won awards as the "Top Salesman of the Year." His knowledge of the meat industry resulted in the establishment of a butcher shop on the family farm located in Carlisle. He was the owner of Bob's Tavern in Enola and the Chicken in the Basket Restaurant located in Marysville, both from 1953-1957. Additionally, he owned Scorpion Snowmobile Sales and Service.

In 1935, he entered into politics, serving as an East Pennsboro Township supervisor from 1948 to 1952. He later was elected as a township supervisor in Middlesex from 1962 to 2002. He was on the executive committee of the Republican Party and held the title of sergeant of arms for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

He was a private in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He received the Expert Infantryman Badge for his ability as a sharpshooter. He was the commander of the American Legion in Enola Post 751 and was the post, county and deputy district commander. In addition, he managed Post 751's baseball team.

Mr. Eppley was a charter member of the Enola Sportsman's Club and an active member of the following: the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1299, the Antique Automotive Club of America "Hershey Region," the Model "A" Ford Club of America, the Mechanicsburg Men's Club and God's Country Snowmobile Club.

Mr. Eppley was a lifelong farmer who embraced domestic and international travel. He greatly enjoyed frequent visits to Potter County where he owned a hunting camp and enjoyed snowmobiling.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Mary (McConnell), who died on March 11, 2005. They married on June 19, 1954. In addition, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Sylvester, Oscar, Thomas and Paul; and two sisters, Zelda and Ruth.

Mr. Eppley is survived by his son, Robert M. of Carlisle; four daughters, Cynthia J. Bowermaster of Carlisle, Brenda C. Eppley of Camp Hill, Winifred Ruth of Harrisburg and Cecilia Sinkovitz of Harrisburg; a granddaughter, Meghan B. Freas of Camp Hill; and two sisters, Virginia Buchner and Emmaline Brenneman of Carlisle.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, in the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home, 219 N. Hanover St., Carlisle, with the Rev. D. Alan Mathna officiating. Burial will be held in the Westminster Cemetery, Carlisle, with military honors conducted by the Cumberland County Honor Guard. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, and also on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to his church, Carlisle First Church of God, located at 705 Glendale St., Carlisle, PA 17013.