Robert, along with his brothers, Bill and Johnny, were part of an Indian dance group in Wichita, KS called Hon-Pi-Aika (moccasin people). The club was organized in the 1950's and had a membership of 60 or so. At the age of 15, Robert had already been involved in the group for six years and was named Chief. The group learned authentic Indian dances, customs of tribes and drumming techniques of various dances and each member created their own costumes. In the early years they danced at Cowtown, as well as for hospitals, schools, and other local organizations, they also made several out-of-town trips, they danced in Topeka, Haysville, and Harper as well as in Wichita. The main reason for the group was to keep alive Indian lore.
Robert enlisted in the Military/Army in 1978 and served for six years. He was a truck vehicle mechanic. In 1979, Robert, along with 11 other men, participated in a "Paddy's March". Robert completed a historic, 530 kilometer, 25-day trek through France, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The march named COL "Paddy" Flint, the legendary WWII Commander of the 39th Infantry also participated in memorial services for COL Flint in Dezerd, France, the town where the famous commander was killed. Robert received three certificates of achievement and appreciation for his participation in the Paddy's March.
He is preceded in death by: his parents; his brothers, William D. Epley & John A. Epley; and his nephew, Jeffrey Epley.
He is survived by: his stepmother, Juanita Epley; his stepsisters, Karen (John) Shrank and children, Cleve (Trey) Werner, Robert Werner (step-nephews), and Carrie Shrank (Step Niece), Valerie Denison, Melody Taylor; his stepbrother, Robin (Linda) Taylor; his step-nephew, Michael Taylor and nieces, Julie Atlee, Janise Eck and Janell (Stephen) Smarsh.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas. Cremation has taken place.
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