Gerald Clinton Eppinette

Gerald Clinton Eppinette (affectionately known as Pop), was born on March 9, 1937 in Holly Ridge, Louisiana. He was born during a time when: the average cost of a new house was $4100., the average wage was $1780. per year, a loaf of bread was .09, and hamburger meat was .12 a pound. The cost of a new car averaged $760. and a gallon of gas was only .10.
One month following Pop's birth, Daffy Duck first appeared in Porky's Duck Hunt on April 17, 1937. History also records that in July of 1937, Amelia Earhart went missing and SPAM was introduced into the market. On September 17th, Abraham Lincoln was carved into Mount Rushmore and on December 21st, Walt Disney premiered his first animated movie: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Pop was older than: Daffy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Bashful, Grumpy, Doc, and Happy. He also shared birthday years with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.
Pop's parents were Roy and Helen Eppinette. Gerald was the oldest of five siblings. His parents and both of his younger brothers preceded him in death.
Gerald was raised on a farm. His dad Roy, was an extremely hard worker and very industrious. Roy eventually bought and farmed 40 acres of land in Bosco, Louisiana. He later began leasing land from other people to raise crops; employing several seasonal workers to help him pick cotton. Gerald worked tirelessly alongside his father until he joined the AIr Force in 1955. Like his dad, Gerald's upbringing had developed him into an extremely hard worker.
Gerald served in the United States Air Force from 1955 through 1963 as an aircraft jet fighter mechanic. His hard work and service excellence won him a special commendation from his Captain and Chief officers:
"During my association with you it has been noted that your capabilities as an aircraft mechanic have been thorough, and performed in an excellent manner. In addition to jet mechanic you performed the duties as Jet Bock Chief, which produced good leadership and guidance of others, also good tact and sound judgement in difficult situations...It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to have airmen of your high caliber serving with me in accomplishing the Air Force Mission...You have produced a continued high quality of maintenance under favorable and unfavorable conditions. It is a pleasure to work with men of your high caliber..."
Gerald met the woman of his dreams, Rosie and went on to enjoy 56 years of marriage. She preceded him in death by 2 years and 2 days. To their union were born five sons; one (Johnny) also preceded him in death. His surviving sons are: Mike, Ronnie, Gerald and Clinton.
After his discharge from the Air Force, Gerald eventually established his own mechanic shop in New Caney, popularly known as Eppinette's Auto Repair. He again, worked tirelessly alongside his wife Rosie and son Ronnie, in addition to several other employees to build and establish the business. He remained at the forefront for thirty years, until he retired. His character traits of hard work, fairness and honesty were the heart of everything he did.
Aside from his knowledge as a mechanic, Gerald was a skilled craftsman. His house in New Caney, is a testament of his superior abilities and tenacity in woodworking.
He leaves to cherish his life and memory: his oldest son Mike and wife Gloria, Ronnie and wife Becky, Gerald and former wife Rhonda, Clinton and wife Jill. Also cherishing his memory are nineteen grandchildren: Ross and wife Racheal, Kindra, Haile, Michael Vincent and Jean-Luc (Mike/Gloria), Zech, Anna, Ashley, Alex and Little Ronnie (Ronnie/Becky), Jessica, Caitlin, Jared and Noah (Gerald/Rhonda), Alexander, Alyssa, Ashton, Sean and Emily (Clinton/Jill); and one great grandchild Aubrey Rose (Zech and fiancé Emily). Also cherishing his memory are his surviving sisters Lavonne and Joanne and nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors who will forever remember Pop and his acute sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
The Eppinette family will receive friends and family on Sunday January 3 2016 at Neal Funeral Home Chapel from 6 pm - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be on Monday January 4, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Neal Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Ed Woods Officiating.