Kenneth Arthur Epler

Of Elmira, NY was born October 20, 1930 in New Albany, PA the son of the late Arthur Henry and Rebecca (Kinney) Epler, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at the Chemung County Nursing Facility at the age of 82. Ken was a 1948 graduate of Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was a Veteran of the US Army serving in Fort McPherson, GA from 1951 to 1953. From 1953 to 1985 he was a New York State Trooper serving in Troop T in Utica, N, Troop C in Sydney, NY and Troop E in Canandaigua, NY. Ken served his entire career in Horseheads and Montour Falls, NY. He was a certified firearms and bomb disposal expert and instructor. He served with the NYSP at the 1980 Olympics, Attica in 1970 and Appalachian in 1956. Mr. Epler was also a retired gunsmith and federally licensed firearms dealer. He was married to Ruth Johnson from 1952 to 1972 and Evelyn Southard from 1974 to 2004. He was preceded in death by the following: father, Arthur in 1973; mother, Rebecca in 1986; sister, Marie in 1978; brother, Harry in 2004; daughter-in-law, Karen in 2005. He is survived by his first wife, Ruth; children, Dennis (Jackie), David (Margaret) and Laurie (Norm); step-children, Donald (Karen Kent) and Dana (Paula); along with grandchildren and great grandchildren, Terisha, Joshua, Emily, Andrew, Craig, Kristen, Hunter, Nicholas, Donny and Angela. At Mr. Epler's request there will be no prior calling hours or funeral service. He will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park at the convenience of his family. His family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the 5th floor staff at the Chemung County Nursing Facility for the outstanding care given to Ken. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY. Ken's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com