Ryan Epplin
Ryan Epplin, a son given by the Lord to Fred and Bernadette (Reidelberger) Epplin, was born on March 8, 1981, in Centralia, Illinois, and at the young age of 33, went on to live in heaven on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with the Savior.
He lived his life joyously, sharing with all who knew him. Ryan had a smile for everyone he knew, especially his respite worker, Tex Halfacre. He enjoyed going to car shows with his brother, Eric Epplin. Ryan absolutely loved tubing behind the family ski boat at Rend Lake and his annual trip to Holiday World to ride roller coasters with his uncle, Maurice Epplin. He received great joy anytime he could go bowling and he enjoyed Country & Western music and Rock 'n Roll oldies. One of his favorite things to do was dining out with family and friends. When at home, he enjoyed riding his golf cart, interacting with his horses and also watching classic television shows. He also loved spending time with his dogs, Lucy and Maui.
Ryan graduated from Nashville High School in May 2002. After high school, Ryan enjoyed helping his dad with the family farm. Later Ryan spent time with his friends at Addus of Mt. Vernon, working on projects for the community and was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Radom where he frequently volunteered.
Since high school, Ryan was a highly competitive athlete in Special Olympics and a member of the Clinton County Special Athletes. Ryan was a State Champion of basketball, softball, volleyball, track and field and an active bowling competitor. Most recently, Ryan received a Gold Medal on June 15, 2014, for the 800 meter walk. Ryan thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was proud of his accomplishments. He especially enjoyed the dances that the State Police sponsored at the State Olympic events.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Fred and Bernadette Epplin; brother, Eric Epplin and his wife Amanda (Surman) of Okawville, Illinois; his two beloved nieces, Madelyn and Mallory Epplin; his very special godmother, Julia Dalman of Nashville, Illinois and two grandmothers who loved Ryan dearly, Verna Epplin of Du Quoin, Illinois and Loretta Reidelberger of Nashville, Illinois. He is also survived by a large extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins and all of his Clinton County Special Athletes teammates/friends. Preceding him in death were his grandfathers, Leonard Epplin and James Reidelberger; special uncles and aunts, Bill and Dianne (Reidelberger) Swartz, Ralph Andrews; his godfather and his wife, Esther Andrews.
Please come to visit and remember Ryan's life on Friday, June 27, 2014, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Radom, Illinois, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at St. Michael's Church, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass celebrating Ryan's life at 10:00 a.m with Fr. Dale Maxfield, Fr. Robert Zwilling and Fr. Bernard C. Goedde Jr. officiating. As per the family's wishes, Ryan's body has been cremated. Charitable donations to any of the following organizations are encouraged: Clinton County Special Athletes, Addus Healthcare of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Tuberous Sclerosis Association or St. Michael's Church. Donations may be sent in care of Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin, Illinois.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.