Irwin “Eppy” Epstein Passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 20, 2015. Beloved husband of Ruth Ann Epstein (nee McEldowney), they had 43 wonderful years together. They each brought two children to the marriage, Joan (John) Pitkin, Frank (Josephine) McEldowney, Larry (Jennifer) Epstein and Susan Criswell. He had seven grandchildren, Sarah Pitkin, Kevin Pitkin, Jordan Epstein, Zoe Epstein, Tim McEldowney, Dan McEldowney and Kyle Criswell. He had a very special relationship with his niece and nephew, Jan (Randy) Michel and Glenn (Cindy) Easton and their children Jesse Michel, Lindsey Michel, Lisa Easton and Amy Easton, who all affectionately called him “Uncle Kookie”. Also of mention is Debra Joy Hart a cousin who thought of him as her second father.

Irwin was born in Chicago on November 22, 1933 to Mollie and Robert Epstein. He was raised in The Marks Nathan home until the age of 13. Afterwards he and his brother Dave rejoined his mother Mollie, later moving to California. Irwin joined the Navy in 1952 and served in the Korean War.He started his career in the Motion Picture Industry in 1965. Working on old westerns such as Paint Your Wagon, he earned the nickname “Omar the tent maker”. He had a very successful career working on feature films and in television at such studios as Paramount, Columbia, MGM and Warner Bros. He worked from the 1970’s through the 80’s with Michael Landon on Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. He retired from the studio in 1996. He was preceded in death by his mother Mollie Epstein, father Robert Epstein, and his brother David Easton.

Memorial will be held Sunday 10/18/15 at 3:00 pm at Kol Rinah 829 N Hanley Rd, St. Louis, MO 63130
With Military Internment at Jefferson Barracks Monday 10/19/15 at 9:00 am.