Albert Epps

A Tribute to Life of Albert Epps

Albert Epps was born on July 15, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Albert and Nadine (Davis) Epps.  He was the oldest of four children. 

Albert attended Vernon Elementary School, Northeast Junior High School and Sumner High School, all in Kansas City, Kansas. It was at Sumner High School where, in his junior year, Albert fell in love with the love of his life and soul mate, Carol Jean Rollins.  Tall, dark, and very handsome, he wowed her with his good looks, quiet demeanor and gentlemanly ways.  They graduated in the class of 1958 and married on June 14, 1959, at Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where they were lifetime members.

Albert and Carol Jean were blessed with four wonderful children:  Brian Keith, Gregory Scot, Karen Kay and Albert Deron.  Albert devoted his life to providing and caring for his wife and children.  There was nothing they wanted for or needed because he worked very hard to care for them.

At a time when it was difficult for Blacks, across the country, to obtain professional level jobs and employment, Albert was hired at the Kansas City Fire Department.  Because of his intelligence, work ethic, personality and ability to work well with others, Albert rose to the rank of Captain.  He retired as Captain after 38 years of service with the Kansas City Fire Department.  In his determination to give his family the life he felt they needed, he worked various jobs in addition to his work at the fire department, driving transport trucks and even bartending. 

Albert cherished his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was so very proud of them and never shied away from taking pictures with his family.  Albert loved to walk, travel, and cook…and he could cook anything.  He took his children on several vacations while they were young and didn’t hesitate to get on a plane and travel.  In the cold months of winter, he would make a ‘mean’ pot of chili!  You could smell the aroma throughout the house, making your mouth water. His chili was amazing!

“For better or for worse” – “In sickness and in health” …Albert took his wedding vows seriously.  He loved his wife so much!  Albert doted on Carol Jean and pampered her.  He took her wherever she wanted to go - whenever she wanted to go.  He would wait hours while she shopped at the mall, in department stores, and at the grocery store.  When Carol Jean became ill, he was by her side day and night…doing whatever needed to be done, whether at the hospital or home.   He never complained or criticized and was so very patient.  He was compassionate and truly the epitome of a man.

On December 4, 2019, Albert Epps, age 80, passed away and went to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Carol Jean; his parents, Albert and Nadine Epps; two brothers, Dwayne and James Lavern Epps.

Albert is survived by three sons, Brian Keith (Rebecca) Epps of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Gregory Scot Epps, of Kansas City, Kansas; Albert Deron Epps of Kansas City, Kansas; his daughter, Karen Kay (Fredrick) Armour of Allen, Texas; his five grandchildren, Brian Epps, Brandon Epps, Brittani Epps, Kellen Armour, Kameron Armour; his five great-grandsons, Jaden, Brandon, Kailee, Christian and Grayson; his two great-granddaughters, Jordan and London; his one brother, Wayne Epps; and a host of his nieces, nephews and family.

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