Herschel Epps Sr.

HERSCHEL EPPS SR.

BRIGHTON — Herschel Lee Epps, Sr., 96, passed away on Saturday morning Nov. 19, 2016 at Robings Manor in Brighton, Illinois, where he was a resident since Oct. 1, 2010.

He was born in Auvergne, Arkansas, on Oct. 23, 1920, the son of Tyree Bishop Epps, Sr. and Ida Corley Douglas.

He married his first wife, the former Ruth Johnson, and to this union Herschel L. Epps, Jr. was born. He entered into the army and worked as a tailor and a cook. After being discharged from the military, he again worked as a mechanic and married his second wife Rebecca Ballinger. To this union four children were born.

Herschel was a mechanic by trade and operated his own "Epps Garage" on Oakwood Avenue from 1952-1960. In 1960, he

became employed by the City of Alton, (for 30 years) working in several departments. Finally in 1975, he was Superintendent of the City Garage until retiring at age 70 in 1991.

He is survived by a daughter Karen (Rev. Danny) Holliday and a son Jeffry (Paula) Epps, both of Godfrey, a son Deanardo

Epps of La Junta, Colorado, a sister, Janet Thompson, of St. Charles, Missouri, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Ruth and Rebecca, a son Herschel L. Epps, Jr. (Viet Nam 1967), a daughter Dianna

Epps Baker (1985) and grandsons, William (1989) and Corey Baker (1996), two brothers, Tyree, Jr. and Torrence Epps, two sisters, Nadine Jones and Juanita Easter.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25, until time of service at 11 a.m. at Unity Fellowship Church, 1301 West Delmar, where he and his wife Rebecca were active members until their health began to fail. Rev. Danny Holliday will bring the eulogy.

Burial will be in Upper Alton Cemetery.

Cathy Williams & Sons are in charge of arrangements.