Leland Leroy Epp

Leland (Lee) Leroy Epp
Leland Leroy Epp passed away peacefully on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the age of 87. A
Bakersfield resident for 30 years, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and golf, but enjoyed
watching all of the grandchildren playing their sports most. Lee was born in Whittier, California in
1934 to John and Katheryn Epp. He graduated from James A. Garfield High School, and at the
age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Franklin D.
Roosevelt during the Korean War. Lee was always proud of his service and in 2017 was
honored to participate in the Honor Flight Kern County to Washington, D.C. After the service,
Lee attended Santa Ana College and was a center for the Dons’ football team. In 1959, Lee
began his 33 year career with Alpha Beta and Lucky Supermarkets, serving 26 years as a
manager. In 1992, Lee and Sandy moved to Bakersfield, where Lee worked as a retail
representative for Nabisco until 1998. Lee met and married the love of his life, Sandra Jean
Carter, in 1961 and enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage. Together they raised two children,
Christy (Epp) Velasquez of Bakersfield and Ron Epp of Visalia. Lee is survived by his two
children, five grandchildren and his brother. Lee is also survived by Kathy Shaw and Brian Epp,
from a previous marriage. Services followed by a reception will be held at the Olive Drive
Campus of Valley Baptist Church, 5500 Olive Drive, Bakersfield CA 93308 at 9:30AM Monday,
March 7, 2022. Leland will be laid to rest at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear
Mountain Blvd., Arvin CA 93203 at 1:15PM on March 7th.