Eldon E. Epley

Eldon Eugene Epley, 90, of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on November 26, 1935, in Elk Creek, Nebraska, to Charles and Fannie Epley. Eldon married Ruth (Fisher) Epley on November 21, 1972. Together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on serving others and caring for the people they loved. He was a devoted father to David Epley (Cynthia), Mary Jo Cassner (David), and Erika Epley-Thiele (Steven). He was a proud grandfather to Rachel, Bobby, Michelle, Austin, Leah, Lorelei, Lexi, Paige, and Sean, and a cherished greatgrandfather to nine great-grandchildren. While he was blessed with many accomplishments throughout his life, nothing brought him greater joy than his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Eldon graduated as valedictorian of Elk Creek High School. He attended Peru State College before earning advanced degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, while also proudly serving in the Nebraska National Guard 195th tank battalion. Education was more than a profession to Eldon—it was his calling. He spent his career shaping young lives as a teacher and basketball coach before serving as principal and superintendent at Litchfield Public Schools for over twenty years. He also dedicated countless hours as a Hunter Education and Gun Safety Instructor, sharing not only knowledge, but also a lifelong respect for the outdoors with generations of students, young and old. Though he never sought recognition for himself, Eldon quietly lived an extraordinary life. He was a three-time National Archery Champion, a founding member of the Nebraska Bowhunters Association, a Golden Gloves boxing champion, and a standout long-distance runner in both high school and college. In 2019, he was honored as Bowhunter of the Year, a fitting recognition for someone who devoted so much of his life to the sport and the conservation of the outdoors here in Nebraska. Outside of his education career, Eldon found peace in gardening, fishing, hunting, and archery. Yet he was equally gifted working with his hands, creating art through taxidermy, carpentry, and jewelry making, though he never considered himself an artist. Still, his happiest moments were spent around a card table, telling and listening to stories—especially tales of hunting adventures from around the world—always delivered with the wonderful sense of humor and charisma he was naturally blessed with. Those who knew Eldon will remember his remarkable wit, his quiet resilience, and the steady strength with which he lived his life. He rarely complained, always put others before himself, and led not with words, but by example. He believed kindness mattered, that true strength came from within, and that family was life's greatest blessing. Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Fannie; his sister, Eunice; his brother, Erwin; his brother-in-laws Jim, Matt, and Fernando; and three of his children, Penny, Charles, and Dale. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. A brief viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Lunch reception will follow the service at the church fellowship hall, and a private family burial will take place at a later date. Eldon's legacy lives on in the students he inspired, the family he cherished, the friends he encouraged, and the countless lives he quietly made better. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tributes

Eldon E. Epley

November 26, 1935 - July 30, 2026