Todd Epperson

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Todd Eldon Epperson, age 49, of Nowata, Oklahoma passed away December 10, 2022, after an extensive battle with cancer.

Todd was born on December 26, 1972, at the Nowata hospital to Dale (Duke) and Carol (Foster) Epperson.  Todd was the youngest of their two sons.  When Todd was born, Eric was only able to meet his brother by looking through the hospital window from outside—with the help of Aunt Ruth (Spurgeon) since children weren’t allowed in the rooms.  Eric said “What a Christmas present a 10 pound brother.”

Growing up on the family farm, Todd worked alongside his family most of his life.  The Epperson’s had a cow/calf operation as well as raising many other animals through the years including pigs, chickens, guineas, horses and rabbits.  Todd and Eric started their first saving account together by raising rabbits and taking them to the park every Wednesday to sell them. Todd was a member of 4-H and FFA, showing hogs and cattle.

The family worked together to run all aspects of the farm.  Edna (Nanny) Epperson lived next to them.  Many summer days, the boys could be found tilling, picking, and helping can from the large family garden.  Todd learned many things from the hands and words of Nanny.  One thing he was known for was learning how to do handwork from her including crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and needlepoint.

Todd attended Nowata Schools from kindergarten through graduation in 1991.  He pursued his Associates degree in Mechanical fabrication, welding machinist and reading blueprints a NEO in Miami, Oklahoma.

After a few years of welding in Moberly, MO, Todd worked most of his career at Nowata Machine Inc, later NMW Inc where he was a code welder and specialized in any kind of welding.  He was very good at this job.  He enjoyed the people he worked with along with his boss, many of them lifelong friends.  He worked there until his health and cancer forced him to quit.

Todd enjoyed many outdoor sports,  but be loved deer hunting and was a avid fisherman.  He especially loved horses and his dog and companion Pee Wee who was never far from his side.  He tried his hand in the movies when he tried out and played the part of a football player in the movie “Possums” when it was shot in Nowata.  Later in life, he enjoyed playing golf and visiting with his buddies at the Nowata Country Club.

Todd had a big heart; he helped and gave wherever he was able.  He enjoyed coaching boys including his son, Britten, whether it was football or baseball.  He especially loved watching his son play baseball for many years.

Todd is survived by his son, Britten Epperson of Manhattan, Kansas, his mother, Carol Epperson of Nowata, Oklahoma, his brother, Eric Epperson and his wife, Angie of Delaware, Oklahoma, his nephew, Greyson Epperson of Nowata, Oklahoma, as well as many other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his dad, Dale (Duke) Epperson, and his grandparents, Lloyd and Edna Epperson and May David and John Foster.

Todd’s wishes cremation has occurred, the family is planning a celebration of life in the spring when family and friends can gather at the Epperson Ranch.