University News
Kenneth Epperson Services Set
October 3, 2014
MACOMB, IL -- Services for Kenneth Epperson, retired community college relations director for Western Illinois University Admissions, will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at the Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home. Epperson, 90, died Oct. 2 in Macomb.
A WIU alumnus, Epperson worked at Western for 22 years. Prior to working in the WIU Office of Admissions, he was a teacher, principal and superintendent in west-central Illinois. Following his retirement from WIU, Epperson joined his wife, Lorraine, also a WIU graduate, in real estate. They launched Century 21 Purdum-Epperson in 1990. The Eppersons have been long-time supporters of the University. Recently, they pledged a seven-figure gift to Western in support of scholarships and the Center for Performing Arts.
He was awarded WIU's Alumni Achievement Award in 1987, and was initiated into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. A talented woodworker, Epperson crafted the large WIU seal on display in the Registrar's Office (made in 1974 in honor of Western's 75th anniversary) and the Ceremonial Mace (a symbol of university scholarship and integrity since the 11th century) featured in convocations and commencements. He learned basic woodturning skills while at Western, nearly 70 years ago, from Wayne Wetzel, for whom Wetzel Hall was named. Epperson had served as president of the Leatherneck Club and was a member of the WIU Performing Arts Society Board.
As a WIU student, Epperson was a three-sport letterman (football, basketball and track) during his years as a student, and was the state pole vault and high jump champion. He also served as President of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity and the Interfraternity Council, and was chosen as Campus Personality and as Homecoming King.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lorraine; nephew, Paul Epperson; sister-in-law, Roberta Epperson, and cousins, Sue Goetz, Steve Williams and Bob Williams.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ken and Lorraine Epperson Scholarship Fund c/o the WIU Foundation.
A full obituary and guest book is available at clugston-tibbittsfh.com.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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