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DR. & MRS. LAWRENCE K. & NANCY JOHNSON-EPPLE

Nancy Johnson Epple died on November 19, 2008 and her husband Dr. Lawrence Epple died November 21st 2008 after injuries sustained from a fire in their home in Woodbury , New Jersey.

Nancy was born November 13, 1953 in Mexico, MO the daughter of George T. and Loro Elizabeth (Crowley) Johnson. Nancy grew up in the Shannondale area. She was a graduate of Salisbury High School. Nancy attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri where she received her undergraduate degree and a Masters in Business Administration.

Lawrence was born June 25, 1954 in Mexico, Missouri the son of Drs. Lawrence King and Kathryn (Christman) Epple. Lawrence grew up in Mexico, MO and graduated from Mexico High School.

While attending the University of Missouri Nancy met her beloved Lawrence in a chemistry class and the love story began. Nancy and Lawrence arrived in New Jersey and began their pediatric practice in 1983. They quickly became an integral part of the community. Nancy was an active member of the Woodbury Old City Restoration Committee, the American Heart Association, and served on the board at the YMCA. She was a member of the P.E.O Sisterhood, a 37-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Gourmet Club in Woodbury. She helped coordinate many activities for the Gloucester County Tercentennial Celebration Committee. The celebration was a grand affair hosted a Rowan University in conjunction with the Hollybush Festival. Dr. and Mrs. Epple traveled extensively and particularly enjoyed traveling with her parents. The Epples and the Johnsons shared their wedding anniversary, April 17, and loved celebrating together. This past April, Nancy and Lawrence celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary as they renewed their vows in front of cherished family and friends. Nancy was always ready to share her many talents for the greater good. She was a gifted flutist and pianist, a gourmet cook and talented baker who created specialized cakes for birthdays and weddings. An avid gardener, she was blessed with a green thumb and possessed a wide knowledge and appreciation of botany. Those who knew her appreciated her love of beauty and the fine arts. She had a unique ability to cultivate friends. In her presence, each person was made to feel like the only one in the room. She was brilliant, multi talented, well traveled, loving, creative, hard working and beautiful inside and out.

Lawrence received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1980 and his board certification in 1986. He currently was serving as an Attending Pediatrician and was named last week as the Department of Pediatrics Chairman at Underwood-Memorial Hospital, Woodbury, New Jersey. Awards he received included Top Doctor 2005 for Pediatrician in NJ Magazine, Best Doctor of Gloucester County in 2005 and Teacher of the Year in 1990. Dr. Epple’s dedication to their local community touched many lives in a variety of ways. He was a member and past president of the Woodbury Rotary Club, member of Mainstreet Woodbury, an active little league sponsor, to name just a few. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Epple was a talented clown, magician, fisherman, enjoyed fine wine and playing the piano. All who knew him will miss his kind and outgoing personality, his funny ties and the way he decorated his house during the holidays.

Nancy is survived by her mother Loro Beth Johnson of Salisbury, MO; a brother Gerald (Jerry) Johnson of Columbia. Her husband and father George T. Johnson preceded her in death.

Lawrence is survived by his three sisters Amy Hoag and husband Albert, Sr. of Belton,MO; Ellen Burris and husband Christopher of Jefferson City, MO; Jennifer Jerichow and husband Michael of Mexico, MO; nephews Travis Burris, Lawrence Jerichow; and niece Courtney Burris. Preceding Lawrence in death were his wife parents; siblings Melanie Sue, Sarah Elizabeth, Peter Christman, and Jason Andrew Epple.

Visitation is Friday, November 28th from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury. Services are Saturday, November 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the Summerville Funeral Home with burial in Asbury Cemetery south of Keytesville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salisbury First Christian Church or the Asbury Cemetery Association.

Minister: Rev. Jody Jackson
Rev. Ron Routledge
Organist: Jean Marie Harvey
Vocalist: Louise Ann Routledge
Rev. Jody Jackson
Flutiest Sherry Barron
Pallbearers for Dr. Lawrence Epple: Mike Jerichow, Al Hoag, Chris Burris, Bruce Moore, David Sudbrock, Jay Lynn
Pallbearers for Nancy Epple:Taylor Grothe, Claire Grothe Carper, Larry Carter, Gary Yung, Jay Greenwell, John Thomson