John Wesley Epley, “Wes” age 58 of Tonasket died April 1, 2010 in the arms of his wife at their home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Wes was born on Aug. 31, 1951 in Omak to Lenore (Brantner) and John Wesley Pratt. He was later adopted by his father, Bill Epley. Wes graduated from Omak High School in 1970. As a child growing up in Omak he loved to ride his family’s horses with his friends all over the flats and camping, hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Wes was a journeyman carpenter and worked many heavy construction jobs and he was very proud of working on the Grand Coulee Dam and Omak Stampede arena as the 3rd generation of Epleys to work on each. He had a love for fast cars and was well known for riding his Harley Davidson, which won him several trophies. Wes was one of those men that had a tool for everything. He would very unselfishly help anyone in need. His favorite time in life was raising his sons, and later going on annual fathers day camping trips.

Wes is survived by his wife, Dee Dee of Tonasket; his former wife, Georgine Epley of Tonasket; his sons: Jim Epley of Okanogan, Jeff Epley of Tonasket and Jesse Epley of Tonasket; sister, Coralee Martin of Omak; and his brother, Todd Epley of Everett. Wes leaves behind a huge extended family and many wonderful friends.

He is preceded in death by one son, Michael John Epley; his biological father, John Pratt; his father, William Henry Epley and his mother, Lenore Epley.

Wes was such a good natured man and will be truly missed by all that knew him.

Services will be held Friday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at the Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel with Larry “Cowboy” Waddell leading the service. A dinner will follow at the First Presbyterian Church in Omak. In lieu of flowers, Wes has requested that donations be made to the St. Judes Childrens Hospital for cancer research.