Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma

© Billings Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Harold Dean Hepner

March 12, 1931 - March 18, 2023

Harold Dean Hepner, 92 year old Freedom resident, died Saturday March 18, 2023 in Oklahoma City surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023 in the Freedom United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Haskew Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Harold Dean Hepner was born on March 12, 1931 to Paul and Reta (Pancoast) Hepner on the family farm north of Freedom, Oklahoma. He grew up on a farm south of Freedom, attended Freedom schools, and graduated from Freedom High School. While in school he played various sports. Besides his school work he was devoted to FFA. He received various awards for his FFA projects and earned the American Farmer Degree when he was a senior in high school. Also while in school he met the love of his life Jeanne Gibson. H D and Jeanne were married in 1951 and were married for 66 years. They made their home in Freedom. They were blessed with two children Lyndon and Sharon. HD was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for two years. After serving his country overseas, he was honorably discharged. He returned home just in time for a drought, and he moved his family to South Dakota for a short time returning to Freedom in 1954. Harold continued to farm and ranch throughout his entire life retiring at the age of 91.

He was a member of the Freedom United Methodist Church a Lifelong member of the Freedom American Legion and a Lifetime member of the Future Farmers of America.

Harold Dean was honored to be named the Freedom Rodeo Old Cowhand in 2011. He supported the rodeo for many years and worked countless hours helping run the rodeo. HD and Jeanne were always very supportive of their kids' many activities. They have spent countless hours traveling to various football, softball and soccer games and of course hundreds of rodeos. They have many times attempted to keep cool or dry in bleachers or under a tent and have had to run for cover from a tornado!

Harold Dean is survived by one son, Lyndon Hepner and wife Susan of Moore; one daughter, Sharon Harper and husband Ty of Blanchard; five grandchildren, Johnathan Hepner and wife Sara; Lynsey Janzen and husband Andrew; Kristin Harper; Kelsey Harper; Kylee Forell and husband Cody; ten great-grandchildren, Eli, Owen, and Caroline Janzen; Arnold and Poppy Hepner; Braxton, Bryson, and Kinzlee Sapp; Addison and Hattie Forell; several nieces, nephews, his corner store coffee group, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Alzheimer's research with the funeral home accepting the contributions.