Mark D. Epting, 70, of Perry Twp., died Wednesday, April 9, 2014 in St. Joseph Medical Center with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of Shirlene A. (Schlegel) Epting. They were married on August 27, 1966 and celebrated forty-seven years of marriage.
Born in Windsor Twp., he was the son of the late George S. and Sadie E. (Bausher) Epting. He was a 1962 graduate of Perry High School and a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Mark was a terminal operator and tractor trailer driver for Exxon Company USA for thirty years retiring in 2000. He then drove school bus for Chiefrunningbus for the Hamburg Area School District. Since 1984, Mark and his son Troy farmed together on their crop and beef farm, "Onyx Meadow Farms" in Perry Twp. Mark was a member of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perry Twp., where he was a former council member; and very involved with the church's Peach Festival every year. Along with Franklin Clark, Mark co-founded and was a charter member of the Shoemakersville Area Lions Club; where he also served as President twice. Mark received the Melvin Jones Award from the Lions Club. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #523, Hamburg; and the Shoemakersville and Virginville Fire Companies. Mark loved farming; and his Oliver '77 tractor brought him a lot of joy.
Mark was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Surviving in addition to his wife is one son: Troy M. Epting, husband of Robin (Wagner) Epting, Perry Twp.; and his pride and joy, granddaughter: Melanie Lynn Epting. Mark is also survived by two brothers: Carl Epting, Mertztown; and Glenn Epting, Virginville; and three sisters: Janet Schlegel, Hamburg; Joyce Epting, Hamburg; and Doreen Houptley, Boyertown.
Services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am from Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 354 Zion's Church Road, Shoemakersville, PA 19555 with Rev. Dr. Dennis Ritter officiating. Burial will follow in Zion's Cemetery, Perry Twp. A viewing will be held in the church Saturday 9:00 to 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Zion's Ev. Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
