Mark Edward Eppley

Mark Edward Eppley, 54, of Columbus, passed away at 5:38 PM, Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana after a long courageous battle with brain cancer. Mark was born November 4, 1969 in Columbus, Indiana the son of Earmel “Ed” Eppley and Georgia (Allen) Weales. Survivors include his wife, Ana Grandinetti, his children, Mackenzie Neil (Ben) Patton, of Stinesville and Thomas Edward Eppley of Columbus, a sister Michelle (Randy) Russell, of Trafalgar, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Dean Eppley. Mark was a graduate of Columbus East High School Class of 1988. He was the proud owner of Eppley Plumbing and Excavating. His entrepreneurial spirit helped him expand and maintain his business of 28 years. He valued hard work and he instilled that work ethic in his children. He set an example for his employees by going back to school and earning his plumbing license. His work was his passion. In his free time, he enjoyed coaching U-19 and adult women’s hockey and spent many hours traveling around the Mid-West with his teams. He enjoyed spending time outside with his family and his dog Rosie. He loved spending time near water either in his pool or on the lake. Mark especially loved Christmas and everything it encompassed. He looked forward to finding the biggest, most beautiful tree the day after Thanksgiving, rain or shine! Mark loved Christmas movies, but only AFTER Thanksgiving! He enjoyed picking the perfect gifts for his son and daughter. He loved to watch all of his nieces and nephews enjoying the day opening gifts and playing games. As his family well knows, he could quote National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and took every opportunity to display this talent. There are several ways to remember Mark and his life. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Clark officiating. A time of gathering will be from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Jewell Rittman. A celebration of life will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hamilton Center Ice Arena join us for food and fellowship. Everyone is welcome to join us for either or both. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make donations to the Fireman’s Cheer Fund of Columbus: Checks can be written to Cheer Fund 1101 Jackson Street, Columbus, IN 47201 or you can drop it off at any fire station. You can also bring a new unwrapped toy to the Celebration of Life at Hamilton Center.