Roy "Butch" A. Eppeland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roy A. Eppeland, a beloved husband, cherished son, and devoted (and sometimes annoying) big brother. Roy, born on June 8, 1960, was the first child born to John R. Eppeland and Myrna Kiecker Eppeland, and was confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in St. James, Minnesota. Despite a childhood disdain for piano practice, Roy's musical talents shone through as an outstanding trumpet and flugelhorn player. His love of Deep Purple, Rush and The Who was not appreciated by his sisters until they got older and could listen at their preferred decibel levels.

Roy graduated from St. James High School in 1978 and went on to attend Bemidji State University. On September 26, 1992, he married the love of his life, Connie Schrader, with whom he shared over three decades of love and companionship. He died at UT Hospital in Tyler, Texas on February 10, 2025.

In his professional life, Roy worked in the carpentry business before relocating to Palestine, Texas, where he served as a sergeant at Coffield State Penitentiary. At the time of his passing, he was employed by Champion Homes as a skilled cabinetmaker and was designing Connie’s dream home.

Roy, nicknamed Butch, was known for his hobbies, which included hunting, woodworking, and undertaking remodeling projects for friends and family. His generous spirit and selfless nature were evident to all who knew him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and put others before himself.

Roy lived a simple and fulfilling life in the woods of Brushy Creek near Palestine, Texas, in a 130-year-old Little Rock house with his beloved Connie.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; his mother, Myrna Eppeland; and his sisters Chris (and husband Dr. Steve) Pitcher, Vonnie (and husband Daniel) Gratz, and Marie (and husband Dr. Timothy) Farley Christiansen. Roy also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews, including Dr. Austin Pitcher (wife Dr. Valerie Au), Dr. Morgan Pitcher (fiancé Cory Stockwell), Erik Gratz, Aaron “Chunk” (wife Megan) Gratz, Lauren (husband Seth) Moffett, Michaela Farley, and Samuel Farley (significant other Kaylee Enevold). His legacy continues through nieces Gena, April, Nikki and Dani as well as his great-nieces Rhiannon and Freya. Roy was preceded in death by his father, John Eppeland, his brother-in-law Robert Farley, his nephew, Alex Pitcher and brother-in-law David Hartman.

Butch will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held in St. James, Minnesota at a later date to honor his life, and celebrate the love, kindness, and joy he brought to his family and friends.

Cremation services for Roy A. Eppeland are in Care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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