J.C. 'Tex' Epley

J.C. "Tex" Epley, 78, died Thursday, Sept. 4 in Nampa, Idaho. He was born in Green Forest on Jan. 28, 1930, to S. Seph Epley and Verna (Teter) Epley Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Rosella Epley of Cushing, Okla., his children, Judy R. Bruner of Coweta, Okla., Jerry R. Epley and companion Vickie Bush of Blanchard Okla., Jack C. Epley of Holiday Texas, Joe F. Epley also of Blanchard, Okla.; grandsons Tyler T. Bruner of Coweta, and Skyler J. Epley of Wichita Falls, Texas; sister Halene Marriott of Green Forest; brother Jim J. Epley and wife Carmen of Hot Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and four brothers. He was educated in the Center Point School in Green Forest, and was a veteran of the Korean conflict.

He lived many places before settling in Burns, Ore., where he spent many years working as a cowboy until suffering a stroke in 2006 confining him to a nursing home in Idaho. He enjoyed team roping and won many belt buckles, along with his longtime friend and team roping partner, Steve Miller also of Burns, Ore.

Graveside services with military honors will be Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Farewell Cemetery in Green Forest.