V. Thomas Eppler

Val Thomas Eppler, 59, was called into the presence of the Lord on December 17, 2016 in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born to Val Charles Eppler and Zella Marie Hand on March 20, 1957 at the Pawnee Indian Hospital in Pawnee, Oklahoma.Thomas attended Pawnee Public Schools up until the sixth grade when he transferred to Concho Indian School in El Reno. He received his high school diploma from Concho in 1970.In January 1976, Tom enlisted in the United States Army. During his service wuth the U.S. 87th Infantry, his last duty station found him in Germany. He received his Honorable Discharge after one year, eight months, 15 days, receiving the French Command Badge.The early 1990's found Tom relocating to Bethel, Alaska with his father-in-law who at the time had a plane ticket and what always appealed to him -- adventure. The perks of the Alaskan wilderness had its appeal with big game hunting and fishing and its breathtaking mountain scenery."North to the Future" Alaska's state motto took on new meaning as the land of promise to him. This adventure is what captured this Pawnee man's heart and spirit all these years.Family and friends recall Val T. Eppler "Tommy, Thomas, Tom" as a quick witted, loving, caring individual who also had the traits of a "Modern Day Scout" with stories that captured his wild and free spirit, fearlessness of death and danger. Those who crossed paths with him have bits and pieces they carry with them that creates this Pawnee from Pawnee a/k/a Wagon Burner.Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Val C. Eppler and Zella M. Hand; two brothers, Dana and Joseph Eppler.He is survived by brother, John Eppler; sister, Lesley Rice, both of Pawnee; son, Alex Eppler, Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughter, Natasha Southern, Glencoe; daughter, Marie MorningStar Eppler, Pawnee; Thomasine Eppler, Jenks; two sons, Dana Eppler and Theodore Eppler; and daughter, Raven Eppler, all of Bethel; plus numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 29, 10:00 a.m., in the Roam Chief Event Center, officiated by Rev. Jr. Pratt and the Native American Church. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery Veterans Section, Poteet Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.