Gerald “Jerry” Morman Hepner, 92, of Winchester, VA passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2017 at Fox Trail Senior Living.
Jerry was born in 1925 in Shenandoah County, the son of the late Martin and Gladys Hepner. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Aprile S. Hepner; parents, Martin and Gladys Hepner; sister, Catherine Mitchell-Parsons; and brothers, James and Gene Hepner.
Surviving is a daughter, Sandra Griffin (Jack); son, Gerald “Jay” S. Hepner (Pat); a very special grandson, Sr. Mst. Sgt. (Ret) Chad Eric Hepner (Michelle); great granddaughters, Aprile and Gracie, whom he adored; and brother, Ted Hepner. Also surviving is his companion of many years, Ruth Keiter, and as Dad would say, “she’s a lovely lady” and she is a very special lady to all of us; very dear friends, Pat Palmer and her late husband, Tom, who took Dad for rides and to church when he could no longer drive; special neighbors, Ron and Sherry King; cousins, Donnie and Edith Ryman, Patsy Ryman, Jean and Harvey Ankers of Timberville whose visits and genuine concern meant so much to Dad and to all of us; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gerald was a devoted member of Round Hill United Methodist Church; singing in the choir and helping in any way he could. He attended faithfully until his health no longer allowed. Gerald was a charter member of Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department and served on many committees throughout the years. He loved surf fishing at Cape Hatteras and family vacations. His family reunion was very important to him and served as chairman for 50+ years. Gerald and Aprile, along with many friends, enjoyed dancing and were members of the (past) Continental Dance Club. Gerald enjoyed hunting and shared many special times with family, especially with his son, grandson, and friends at his cabin in Woodstock.
Gerald retired from Smith’s Transfer Company after 40+ years of service. During that time he received numerous safety awards, including Driver of the Year in 1964 by the Virginia Highway Users Association of Richmond. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and served as a trustee until he could no longer do so due to his illness.
Gerald died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease which robbed him of so much, but he continued to know his family and the love and kindness that surrounded him. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, calls, and caregivers at Fox Trail Senior Living and Hospice. Their kindness to our Dad and family will always be remembered.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 1 pm to 2 pm on Tuesday at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel with a funeral service to follow at 2 pm with Reverend Penny Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester, Virginia.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jack Griffin, Chad Hepner, Rocky Keplinger, Dale Swain, Jr., Donnie Ryman, and Wayne Linaberg.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gerald may be made to Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, Northern Shenandoah Valley Office, 411 N. Cameron Street #267, Winchester, Virginia 22601 or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601.