Robert Dwight Van Epps, age 87, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on February 19, 2024, at his home. He was born on July 4, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, to Dwight and Ida (Chilson) Van Epps.
Robert spent the first 14, or so, years of his life in Jackson and then his family moved to Newberry, Michigan, where he graduated from Newberry High School. In 1955, he joined the United States Navy where his job was tending to the ship’s boilers. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned to Newberry.
Robert met Elizabeth “Betty” Richardson at a friend’s wedding reception in Newberry and Robert and his parents moved back to Jackson shortly after. Robert went back to see Betty in Newberry often and soon asked her to marry him. They married in 1960 and lived in Jackson. He became a firefighter for the Jackson Fire Department and worked his way up to becoming a Captain and retired in 1981. He and Betty then moved to Newberry to live in the retirement home they had built the previous year. They did some traveling over the years and then settled in Sault Ste. Marie.
Robert was a member of the American Legion Post # 74 and Elks Lodge #1705 in Newberry.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling. He was an avid gardener who had a “green thumb” that grew many beautiful flowers and trees.
Robert is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Robert Steven (Michelle) Van Epps; sister, Shirley (David) Baca; brothers-in-law, Francis (Arlene) Richardson, Jesse (Helen) Richardson, Alex (Demaris) Richardson; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Mike) Legacy, Sharon Painter, Carole (Dan) Smart and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Ida Van Epps; and brother-in-law, Mike Painter.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
