Raymond Clarence Hepler

Raymond spent his early life in Homer, Michigan. He enjoyed playing sports and fishing. The Hepler family moved to Bronson, Michigan, in 1956, and Raymond graduated from Bronson High School in 1961.

Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right after high school and proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring in 1986 with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the military, he served in Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, North Dakota, California, Minnesota, Texas, and Nevada. After his retirement from the military, Raymond was employed by United Coin in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a gaming machine technician. Raymond returned to his home state of Michigan in 2003 to be near family.

He was an avid sports fan, especially his Detroit teams. Raymond was easy-going and willing to help anyone in need. He was especially fond of his dog, Minky.

Raymond met the love of his life, his Yeobo, Yon Kim, in Korea. They were married on Raymond’s birthday, March 16, 1979, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives him.

He is also survived by his sons from his first marriage, Joseph (Bonny) Hepler, Russell Hepler, and Clifford (Amy) Hepler; his grandchildren, Monica Hepler and Elijah (Nastasija) Hepler; his sister, Joyce (Dennis) Miller; nephews, James (Crystal) VanHeerde and Troy (Andrea) VanHeerde; and his beloved great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Hope Hepler; his sister, Marjorie VanHeerde; his niece, Melissa VanHeerde; and his great-nephew, Bryce VanHeerde.

Services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan. Visitation is from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with the funeral commencing at 11:00 am. Graveside services will be held at Fisher Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Raymond’s name to the Air Force Museum Foundation at afmuseum.com or by mail at: The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1903, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 45433.

*Please note the family is unable to see who may have made donations in Raymond's name to the Air Force Museum and would like to thank those who have, they are deeply grateful. Thank you.