Robert Leslie Eppinger, 89, of Zelienople passed away Friday, December 21, 2012, at VA Butler Healthcare.

Born Oct. 17, 1923, in Harmony, he was the son of the late Leiben and Vera (Powell) Eppinger.

Robert was a proud World War II veteran who loved his country. He was honored to be a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his courageous service in the U.S. Army.

He was involved locally as a former commander of the VFW in Evans City. Robert was governor of the Harmony Moose Lodge 957 as well as the district governor. He also earned the Pilgrim Degree of Loyal Order of the Moose.

He is survived by his two sons, Robert D. Eppinger and his wife, Tina, of Norwalk, Calif., and Raymond Eppinger and his wife, Michelle, of Zelienople; six stepsons, William Nelson of Zelienople, Ronald Nelson and his wife, Debbie, of Portersville, Thomas Nelson and his wife, Amy, of Evans City, Larry Nelson and his wife, Faye, of Ellwood City, Norman Nelson and his wife, Tammy, of Evans City and Randy Nelson and his wife, Valerie, of Freedom; sister, Donna Gray and her husband, Ronald, of Connoquenessing; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Cecil Eppinger, who passed away on Sept. 22, 2007; and his wives, Elsie M. (Lang) Eppinger, who passed away on April 11, 1980, and Faye (Miller) Eppinger, who passed away on Oct. 25, 2002.

EPPINGER — A memorial service for Robert Leslie Eppinger, who passed away Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Boylan Funeral Home, 116 E. Main St., Evans City.If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Boylan Funeral Home, Inc., 116 E. Main St., Evans City, PA 16033.Online condolences and directions are available at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.