Edwin Clifford Hepola of Menahga died on June 12, 2021 at his home in rural Menahga at the age of 79. He was born to Henry and Elma (Stahl) Hepola on March 11, 1942 at their home in Menahga – number 10 of 12 children. He attended country school in rural Nimrod and graduated from Sebeka High School in 1960. He worked several jobs upon graduating before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1964 where he earned expert rifle honors, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal (First Award). After being honorably discharged, he began working at the Menahga Post Office. He became the Post Master in 1977. While he didn’t like the paperwork, he did enjoy visiting with community members each day and went above and beyond personally delivering mail to a few special customers along his drive home. On May 10th, 1975 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joyce Metteer. The two built a beautiful life together with their two children, Michael and Wendi – filled with love, faith and support of each other. Eddie was so proud of his children; never missing a game, concert or event. He cherished his grandchildren, Zoey and Henry “Smiley”. They could always count on Papa Ed having ice cream to share with them. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and was an active member of VFW Post 6206 in Menahga. He was also a member of the Color Guard – a responsibility he did with the utmost honor, respect and dedication. He enjoyed calling Bingo, serving as Gambling Manager, and volunteering in the kitchen alongside Joyce. Those that knew Eddie will remember him for his kind generous heart, love of God, family and country, an ever-present grin and twinkle in his eye, and his goofy sense of humor. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters: Amy, Maryanne, Inga, Edna, Aili, and Lila; one brother Henry “Bill”, several nieces and nephews, a great niece, father-in-law, several brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law. He is survived by his wife Joyce; son Michael; daughter Wendi (Matthew) Montonye; two grandchildren: Zoey and Henry Montonye; one brother Marvin (Marilyn) of Washington; sisters: Lempi Molenda of Washington, Irene Nordby of Dilworth, and Betty (Jack) Dwyer of Montana; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and a host of wonderful friends he considered family. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 18 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Nimrod Lutheran Church in Nimrod. Inurnment services will be held at Camp Ripley State VA Cemetery at a later date.