COLUMBUS
Richard Terry Eppard, 75, died on February 2, 2022, at his home in Columbus, Indiana. Born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, he graduated from Bloomington High School in 1964 and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1968. Known as both “Terry” and “Rich” over the years by family and friends, he graduated in 1973 from Purdue University where he rowed varsity crew and earned Phi Beta Kappa honors. During his three years attending Indiana University School of Law, he enjoyed the opportunity to work as the Indiana Public Defender intern and the Marion County Deputy Prosecutor intern. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 1976. Over the years, he served as Deputy Prosecutor in Bartholomew, Greene, Jefferson, and Scott Counties. Rich also served as public defender and worked in private practice. He practiced law until his retirement in May 2017.
Rich leaves behind three children, Andy (LeAnn) Eppard, 51, of Greeneville, Tennessee, Heather (Brad) Peters, 44, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Logan Eppard, 32, of Columbus, Indiana; three grandchildren, Emily Eppard of Greeneville, and Dalton and Lauren Peters of Knoxville; and two sisters, Beverly Oliver of Bedford, Indiana, and Pamela Jackson of Bloomington, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Corey Eppard; parents, Clyde Richard Eppard and Jeanette Maxine Allen Eppard; as well as other extended family members including his nephew Lance Corporal Bryan Lane, who was killed in combat.
Rich was an avid music listener and loved to share his favorite songs and associated stories. The family will hold a private gathering to celebrate his life. Donations can be made in his honor to Special Olympics Indiana, www.soindiana.org.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.
