Ray Van Epps

VANEPPS, Ray Kalamazoo Formerly a resident of Otsego, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2010, at Bronson Hospital. He was born on November 7, 1918, in Otsego, MI, the son of James B. and Maggie Van Epps. Ray graduated from Otsego High School in 1938 and Parsons/Mars Business College (1941). He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1942 and served as Staff Sergeant and Technical Specialist for the Headquarters of the 30th Infantry Division, Office of the Commanding General. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement and outstanding performance of duty in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany until his honorable discharge in October, 1945. Following the war, Ray married his beloved wife Marion Leaf, formerly of Iron Mountain, MI in 1946, who preceded him in death, January, 2006. A brother and sister- in-law, Roy and Francine Van Epps (Allegan) also preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, James O. Van Epps (Kalamazoo); Jill Hess and son-in-law David Hess (Portage); grandchildren; Sarah (Hess) McPherson (Portage) and Brian Hess (Kalamazoo); and his "favorite" and "only" big sister Kathryn (Van Epps)Carl (age 94, Portage) and a number of dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ray retired in the early eighties after a long career in office machine sales and real estate. He is a past Exalted Ruler and life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in Otsego, MI, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Otsego, MI. During Ray's most recent residence at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, Directors Hall, he was known for his kind and generous spirit and sense of humor with both residents and staff alike; often giving advice to grounds or maintenance personnel or sharing a funny political commentary or two with a wink. He enjoyed his daily walks around the campus and spent quality time with his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and often the recipients of a "little spending money" tucked into their hands to help with college expenses. Grand daughter Sarah received weekly notes while at college with pictures drawn by Grandpa on the outside of her envelopes which are lovingly cherished. Grandson Brian remembers receiving Grandpa's black truck with pride on his 16th birthday. Both grandchildren and other family members benefited by a wealth of stories about World War II and Grandpa's growing up years in Otsego. Ray and Marion wintered in Florida for a number of years during retirement and enjoyed traveling together and sharing fun times with old friends. Always the man to call on for help with fixing up new homes of various family members, spotting the best deal on new real estate, and finding good used cars-usually, of course, traded in for another good deal. Ray would tell all who knew him he wasn't a "preachy" kind of man, but wanted everyone to know after he was gone that he remained ever grateful for his family and friends and loved us all. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, with a small family graveside service that followed. Family and friends are invited for a celebration of Ray's life at an informal gathering to be held at Parkview Hills Club House, 3707 Greenleaf Blvd. Kalamazoo, MI on Sunday, August 8, 2010, from 1:00-4:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, Directors Hall, 2400 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 and the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks, 113 ½ S. Farmer Street, Otsego, MI 49078. Arrangements by Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society Schoolcraft www.avinkcremation.com