Paul C. Epps

Paul C. Epps ended his earthly journey on February 21, 2026 peacefully in his sleep.  He was the second of seven children of Rev. Keith and Muriel Epps. His birthplace was Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, WI.  

He graduated Valedictorian from Rio High School in 1964 where he was active in athletics, band, chorus, forensics, and dramatics. He attended Ottawa University in KS studying Sociology and received teacher certification graduating in 1968. Later he attended the college of New Jersey to obtain a Masters in International and Overseas Administration and Supervision which helped with his career teaching overseas in American schools around the world.

His career began as a Social Worker but it moved on into teaching. He began in Ganado and Sells AZ teaching and coaching on Indian Reservations. He then branched out of the states to teach in Caracas,Venezuela; Amman, Jordan; Kinshasa, Zaire; Sofia, Bulgaria; and lastly Beirut, Lebanon. Where he taught he would often coach basketball also.

Paul traveled around the United States and the world. He loved hiking, reading, writing, athletics, and being part of nature with camping/spending extended time out on his own. He was proud of the basketball teams he was able to coach and was a baseball junkie seldom passing up a chance to watch a game on TV. He cheered mostly for the Cincinnati Reds, Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers.

Tall Paul (nickname) loved writing and word play. His passion led to many well thought poems, observations, and short stories. He was eager to share his words with many and would frequent places that would allow him to do so. Living in Paonia, CO gave him much freedom to pursue this part of his life. He authored a book about his life and travels entitled “Road to Serendipity”.

In 1968 Paul married Bonnie White and helped her raise her two children Shelly and Randy. For a period of time they lived in the Rio and Otsego areas.

Paul is survived by daughter Shelly (Rick) Warner, son Randy (Amanda) White both of Kansas. Immediate family: Brothers Stephen of Rio, WI; David (Margaret) of Galena, IL; Joseph (Jean) of Cleveland, TX; and Thomas (Lois) of Black River Falls, WI; Sister Beth Ann (George) Scott of Rio, WI; Aunt Audrey Pheiffer, IL; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by: Father Rev. Keith Epps; Mother Muriel Epps; Sister Susan Epps (Amend); Brother in law Michael Amend; and Sister in law Sally Bahr Epps.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio with Rev. Carolyn Dugan officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. until the time of Celebration of Life on Saturday. 

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