John Francis Elpers

John Francis Elpers Well done, good and faithful servant! On May 10, 2017, John Francis Elpers (91) passed from this life to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior. John was born May 29, 1925 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois and raised in Evansville, Indiana. The U.S. Navy brought him to Pensacola, Florida and that became home. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Dorothy (Miller-Land) Elpers, mother of his two surviving children, and wife of 12 years, Jeanne (Quarrier-Oldmixon) Elpers; his parents, Tom and Eva Izola Elpers; “Aunt Tem” Carter; sister, Donna James; and son, Stanley Elpers. John is survived by his daughter and son, Eva Mathews (Howard), Dunedin FL, and son, Larry (Diane) Land Sr., Cantonment FL. Though cherished memories of times shared with his family and friends had been confused and forgotten, the deep love he held for his family never left his heart. John is also survived by granddaughters Jessica Mathews (Matt) and Becky Land (Bert); grandsons, Larry Land Jr. (Jason), Chris (Traci, great-grandson Trevor) Land, and Tim (Emma, great-grandsons Austin and Brady John) Land, and the family of Stanley Elpers. “Uncle John” will be remembered and missed by many in-laws, nieces and nephews among the Miller and Quarrier families, as well. John was a devout Catholic and active parishioner of the Little Flower Catholic Church and St. Anne - Bellview Church during his life. John retired from the U.S.N. with 20 years of service as Master Chief in 1963, many of them spent aboard the U.S.S. Independence. John then served 18 years rising from a Mail Clerk to Sectional Comptroller for the United States Postal Services. John enjoyed golf, bowling and fishing, but mostly loved woodworking and creating beautiful flower gardens. John’s third career found him under the pecan trees leading his volunteer maintenance crew as coordinator for the St. Anne’s Western Round-Up for close to 25 years. John will surely enjoy teaming up again with many of those who worked along beside him giving the Pensacola community a weekend every October that many still remember from their childhood. The family of John Elpers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Homestead Village, especially Buildings B, J and K, for all the love, care and support they gave to “Mr. John” these last several years. And if you doubt that angels walk among us, then let me tell you about, Sissy, John’s special guardian Angel. Sissy (Janice Watson), your loving, watchful and gentle care kept “Uncle John’s” smile alive everyday! You made the difference in his journey and the lives of everyone you touched around him. We will be forever grateful to you and your family, now part of our family. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. And may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. The family hopes you will sincerely consider a contribution to Hospice, Homestead Village or St. Anne’s Bellview.

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John Francis Elpers

May 29, 1925 - May 10, 2017