William Lewis Epps

William Lewis Epps, 94, of Pampa, died July 28, 2015 in Pampa. Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Friday, July 31, 2015, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Blue Knights Honor Guard, Altus AFB, Altus, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. At Mr. Epps’ request, his body was donated to Texas Tech School of Medicine in Lubbock. Mr. Epps was born August 25, 1920 in Sherman. He grew up helping provide for his family after the death of both parents. Lewis had been a resident of Pampa since 1942. He married Evelyne Judkins on March 15, 1942 in Paris, Texas. She preceded him in death on June 16, 2008. He joined the U. S. Army Air Corps at the age of 20 and brought the first troop train to Pampa Army Air Field. He was honorably discharged in Pampa in September of 1945 and went to work as a butcher, continuing that trade throughout his life. Lewis retired from Ideal Food Store after more than 40 years of service. He served his community and others. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Everyman’s Bible Class, a Founding Director and Director Emeritus of the Freedom Museum USA, Charter Member and Director Emeritus of the Texas Ranger Foundation, a life member of VFW Post 1657 and a practicing Mason for more than 70 years as a member of Masonic Lodge 966, Texas Blue Lodge, York Rite and Scottish Rite. Lewis was a quiet man who always thought of others before himself. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and the duty to be bound by word alone. He loved to hunt and fish and spend time teaching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to enjoy the outdoors. Lewis was especially fond of a good dog, a good horse or a good cigar. But more than anything, he loved his family and he loved God. His dry sense of humor could lift the spirits of anyone. Lewis was also preceded in death by a son, Tim Epps in 1997; all of his brothers and sisters, and his parents. Survivors include a son, James “Andy” Epps and wife Kay of Pampa; two daughters, Barbie Crawford and husband Jim of Midland, and Della Moyer and husband Jim of Pampa; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Debbie Douglas, Deborah Ferrell, Sue Daugherty and the staff of Interim Hospice, as well as the caregivers and staff at Coronado Healthcare Center for the love and care they lavished upon him during his last years. Memorials may be made to Freedom Museum USA, 600 N. Hobart, Pampa, Texas 79065; or Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, PO Box 190567, Dallas, Texas 75219-0567.