Raymond E. Epling

A funeral service celebrating the life of Raymond E. Ray Epling, age 89, of Newark, will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Pastor Gus Andrews officiating. Burial will take place in Cedar Hill Cemetery where military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.Raymond was born November 29, 1925 in Inez, West Virginia to the late Charles and Clara (Abbott) Epling. He passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Arlington Care Center.Ray was a veteran of the United States Army and served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Ray was employed as a glass worker with Holophane for over 30 and during his career he was very proud of the fact that he had perfect attendance. He was a volunteer with the Salvation Army for several years and played harmonica with the Licking County Aging Program Band. He was an avid fisherman and held a State Championship title for Horseshoes. Ray was a very giving person who had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger.He is survived by six children, Stephen (Angie) Epling of Montana, Vickie (Bill) Kopp of Newark, Kathy Bowles of Huntington, West Virginia, Gary (Kathy) Epling, Mary (Tim) Harper and Freda Burns, all of Newark; six step-children, Randy Waltz of Rushville, Jennifer Spellman of Newark, Amy (John) Weaver of Heath, Carolyn (Kenneth) Fowler of Newark, Rosemary (Craig) Anderson of Heath and Beverly (Paul) Tripplett of Newark; many grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren and step-great and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Kathleen Waller of Millersport; brother, Clifford (Mary) Sword of Chesapeake; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Evelyn Louise (Adkins) Epling in 1996 and Mary Lou (Barnes) Epling in 2001; a daughter, Deborah Burns; step-son, George Waltz; brother, Arthur Epling; and sisters, Jean Fizer, Janice Dillon, Freda Epling and Mamnie Epling.Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark.Memorial contributions may be made to Tridia Hospice.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for the Epling family.