ROBERT EPPLEY, JR., 78

Robert Lewis Eppley Jr. PHD, 78 went home to spend eternity with his Savior and Lord December 24th, 2017. He was born August 27th 1939 to Robert Lewis Eppley and Naomi Elizabeth Phillippi Eppley in Johnstown, PA.
Bob was an influential leader and a devoted husband, father and friend to many people. He was passionate about the environment. Some of his accomplishments include cleaning up abandoned coal mine drainage & discovering caves as president and technical director of Blacklick Creek Water Association, leading and partici-pating in the National Speleological Society and Chestnut Ridge Explorer’s Association. He was awarded Ever-green Conservancy-lifetime achievement and Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation -Mayfly honor.
Bob earned his bachelor’s of science degree from West Virginia Weslyan College where he met his wife, Diane arranging for his seat to be beside hers in chapel. He earned his Doctoral degree at Penn State University while starting a family.
Bob’s extensive work background includes Kodak Corp., Borden Chemical, Babcock and Wilcox Co., Pittsburg Testing Labs, Syntron, Eppley Technical Services, Power Safety, a Tennis Racket repair business, … among oth-ers.
He was an avid fisherman, spelunker, inventor, explorer, musician, reader and learner.
Surviving are his wife of fifty six years Diane J. Buenting Eppley, a son, Rex W. Eppley and a daughter Kathleen M. Jennings (Allen W. Jennings). grandchildren Justin E. Eppley, Nicole R. Vasbinder (Mark Vasbinder), Haley E. Jennings Neal (Andrew Neal), Kevin B. Jennings and Jessie K. Jennings, one brother G. Todd Eppley and two brothers n law John W. Buenting (Maryann) and Ross L. Frazer and many cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Melissa Ann Eppley Frazer.
Bowser Funeral Home in Homer City is in charge of arrangements.
A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date.