Jack Edward Hepler

Jack Edward Hepler

December 4, 1941 – September 4, 2026

Jack Edward Hepler passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the age of

84. Born December 4, 1941, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Otho and Virginia Hepler, Jack was the eldest of five children. He grew up in Marshall County, Indiana, and attended La Paz High School.

On September 20, 1964, Jack married the love of his life, Sharon Stump. After spending several years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jack and Sharon eventually settled in Claremore, Oklahoma, where they built their life together and where Jack would make his home for more than five decades. He retired as a Tax Enforcement Officer for the State of Oklahoma. For nearly 62 years, Jack and Sharon shared a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and adventure. Through every season of life, they remained devoted partners and best friends. One of their favorite places was Kauai, Hawaii, where they especially loved sitting at Popu Beach and watching the sea turtles, creating treasured memories together over the years.

Jack was a devoted husband, father, and Papa. He was the proud father of two sons, Scott and Matthew. His four grandchildren, Tate, Zane, Sveta, and Zeke, knew him simply as Papa, a title he wore proudly.

Jack's faith was an important foundation throughout his life. He and Sharon were part of the Claremore First Methodist Church community for many years. He was also deeply patriotic, and his love of country was one of the values that helped define the way he lived his life.

Few organizations, however, meant as much to Jack as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A dedicated member of Claremore Elks Lodge No. 1230, Jack devoted decades of his life to serving the organization at the local, district, state, and national levels. He served as President of the Oklahoma Elks Association in 1993-1994 and was first appointed State Secretary in 1997, subsequently being elected to the office in 1998. Jack went on to serve an extraordinary 29 years as State Secretary. His service took him throughout Oklahoma and across the country, and he attended many Elks National Conventions. Through the Elks, Jack supported programs benefiting those in need and creating opportunities for young people while forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Sharon was by his side throughout those years, and the Elks became an important part of their life together.

Jack was funny, quick-witted, and ornery to the end. Even as life became more difficult, he never lost the sense of humor that his family and friends knew so well. He loved to laugh, enjoyed making others laugh, and had a way of making people feel welcome. Those who knew Jack will remember his smile, his wit, and the personality he brought with him wherever he went.

Jack was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. His loyalty to the Packers went well beyond simply watching the games-Jack was a proud shareholder of the Green Bay Packers, a distinction he was happy to claim.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sons, Scott and Brooke Hepler and Matthew and Sharla Hepler; his grandchildren, Tate, Zane, Sveta, and Zeke; and his siblings, Joe Hepler and Silvia; Jay and Suzanne Hepler;

Becky and Greg Freehauf; and Crystal and Larry Cuautla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otho and Virginia Hepler.

Above all, Jack's life reflected what mattered most to him. His faith guided him, his family was at the center of his world, his love of country ran deep, and his years of service through the Elks brought him friendship, purpose, and an opportunity to give back to others. He leaves behind a legacy built not only on what he accomplished, but on the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the laughter he shared, and the lives he touched along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Claremore Elks Lodge #1230, 820 Summit Drive, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather to celebrate his life and enjoy fellowship together.

A special thank you to the Cura Hospice team and nurses and to all the many friends and loved ones whose prayers, kindness and support carried us through some difficult times. We were blessed with good times too and those we will cherish forever.