Robert Lewis Eppley

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 in Johnstown, PA to Robert Lewis Eppley and Naomi Elizabeth (Phillippi) Eppley. 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 and discovering caves as president and technical director of Blacklick Creek Water Association, leading and participating in the National Speleological Society and Chestnut Ridge Explorers Association. He was awarded Evergreen 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 from Penn State University, while starting his family. Bobs extensive work background includes Kodak Corp., Borden Chemical, Babcock and Wilcox Co., Pittsburgh Testing Labs, Syntron, Eppley Technical Services, Power Safety, and a Tennis Racket repair business among others. 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 in law, John W. Buenting (Maryann) and Ross L. Frazer. Many cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Melissa Ann (Eppley) Frazer. The C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home in Homer City is in charge of arrangements. A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date.