Michael Jacob Epple

Michael Jacob Epple, age 70, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away surrounded by his family on July 17, 2025. Born on November 10, 1954, in Seymour, Indiana, Michael lived a life devoted to education, faith, and family.

A lifelong learner and educator, Michael began his academic journey at Seymour High School, graduating in 1973. He attended the Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1976, then earned a BA in History and Religion from Franklin College in 1982. He went on to receive a Master's in History and Library Science from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1984, and later completed a Ph.D. in American History at the University of Akron in 2001.

Michael's professional path reflected his passion for history and education. He began with humble roots delivering papers for the Seymour Tribune and working in the warehouse at John C. Groub. He later served on the faculty at Indiana Bible College from 1981 to 1982, worked at the Lorain Ohio Public Library, and was an Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Maryland. From 2003 until his passing in 2025, he was a beloved Professor of History at Florida Gulf Coast University.

A devoted member of the First Apostolic Church of Fort Myers, Michael's faith was a guiding force in his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia Denise Magee Epple, who passed on November 10, 2011.

He is survived by his daughter, Lydia Michele Epple, of Fort Myers, FL; his sister, Mary Epple, of Indianapolis, IN; his brother, Jim Epple, of Bloomington, IN; and his niece, Holly Rose of Fresno, CA.

Michael will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to faith, his contributions to the field of history, and the love he held for his family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation, 316 N Chestnut Street, Seymour. A second visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Pastor Tim Weddell will officiate. Services honoring Michael's life and legacy will begin at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 25. 2025 with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery, 1603 Shields Avenue, Seymour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Florida Gulf Coast General Scholarship Fund in Michael's memory.

You are invited to visit our website, vossfunerservice.com, to order flowers, give condolences, or share a memory.