Harold Epps passed away on June 8th. He was the man that made K Dock Marina what it is today. Harold moved and built a new dock in our current location in 1995. We had an opportunity to thank him for his vision in 2009. Our condolences go out to the Epps and Moore families.
Scott and Judy Hansen
Funeral services for Harold I. Epps, 90, Kimberling City, formerly of Branson, will be Friday, June 12, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson. Rev. Jay Scribner and Rev. Robert Petersen will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson. Mr. Epps passed away June 8, 2015 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
Harold Isaac Epps was born June 18, 1924 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He was the son of Thomas “Tom” and Della (Moore) Epps. He graduated high school in Lamar, Mo. in 1942 and attended the Teachers College (MSU) in Springfield for a short time until he was drafted into the Army Air Corp during WW II. Harold started his business career at the Western Auto in old downtown Branson in the early 50’s for his mom and dad. Harold was a man who loved construction and building things he was instrumental in developing several subdivisions in the Branson Area, and loved land development. Harold started Tri States Utility in 1963 and operated it till 2008. He built the new K Dock Marina on Bull Shoals, was involved in the development of Welk Resort and Theatre, and built the Silver Fountain Inn. Harold was contracted for many years with Contel Tele Co. doing all telephone construction, and did many municipal sewer and water lines projects in the Missouri and Arkansas areas.
During the construction of the Dam, Harold in his orneriness stirred up some of the workers on Table Rock Dam by pulling shenanigans on them, so they paid him back by setting a 2½ ton concrete star in the front yard with “Special Deputy” inscribed on it. His sons thought the star fell out of the sky – that was a great surprise to Harold and his neighbors.
Harold loved people and once he made a friend they were lifelong friends, especially his high school chums who all remained his lifelong friends. Harold aka “Snookie” loved to fish, hunt, play golf, and celebrate life everyday of his life.
Harold was a member of the Skyline Baptist Church, Branson Masonic Lodge, 32nd Scottish Rite, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple, Springfield and Taney County Shrine Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Della Epps and one step daughter Candy Galloway.
Harold is survived by his wife Sharon Jackson Epps of Kimberling City; three sons Thomas “Tom” Epps of Kirbyville; Daniel Epps (Marsa) of Walnut Shade; John Epps of Branson; one step daughter Cindy Adams (Kenny) Omaha, Ark.; ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; five step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.
Memorials in Harold’s Memory may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Boulevard, St Louis MO 63131-3597; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Visitation will be Friday, June 12 from 1PM till service time at 2PM in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson.
