Gary J. Epling

Gary J. Epling, 74, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

He was born on February 11, 1951, in Sharples, West Virginia, and had made Lorain his home for the past 50 years.

Gary worked as a truck driver for several companies throughout his career, most notably with E & L Trucking. He later became an owner-operator, proudly running his own truck until retiring in 2006.

An avid outdoorsman, Gary was a dedicated member and vice president of the Lorain County Coon Hunters Association. He found joy in fishing, hunting, and riding motorcycles, and could often be found tinkering in his garage, working on lawnmowers or re-building boats. Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Joan (née Koelling) Epling; sons Billy and Gary Epling; stepson Scott (Jamie) Hammonds; grandchildren Craig Popovich, Krissy Murphy, Jeremy Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Xavier Klena, Corriyn Hammonds, Jourdan Engle, Asia Velez, Sahara Velez, Caleb Hammonds, and Ezra Hammonds; nine great-grandchildren; and his half-sister Billie (Bill) Kinzer.

He was preceded in death by his father William Epling, mother Lea (née Taylor) Anderson, brothers Larry Ray and Jerry L. Epling, sister Sandra A. Reynolds, stepdaughter Tammy Popovich, and grandson J.J. Murphy.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106), the American Heart Association (1375 East 9th Street #600, Cleveland, OH 44114), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959).

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.