Collin "Hep" Hassler Hepford, Jr.

Collin “Hep”Hassler Hepford, Jr.

Devoted, Loving Family Man and Dedicated Police Officer -

Collin “Hep” Hassler Hepford, Jr., age 65, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Davis County, UT, died peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at Holy Spirit Hospital on Thursday, January 7, 2016.  Hep was born on Tuesday, December 5, 1950 in Harrisburg, PA to the late Collin Hassler Hepford, Sr. and Thelma D. (Dietz) Hepford.  In addition to his parents, Hep is preceded in death by his sister, Joy Hepford.

Hep’s survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Stephanie “Steph” Elaine (Gehret) Hepford; his five children: Sean Hepford of Harrisburg, Alan Hepford of Lewisberry, Scott Marlow and his partner, Tammy, of Mechanicsburg, Darren Marlow and his wife, Kelly, of Dover, Dana Cole and her husband, Rodney, of Mechanicsburg; his one special nephew, Joshua Julian, of Mechanicsburg; his six grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren; and his one brother.

Hep graduated from Weber State University in Utah.  In 2005, Corporal Hepford retired from Lower Allen Township Police Department where he served the community for more than 26 years as a police officer, shift supervisor, baton and defensive tactics instructor, and Explorer Post leader.  Prior to joining Lower Allen Township Police Department, Hep was a deputy sheriff in Davis County, UT and the chief of police in Shiremanstown, PA.  As a person who got along with everyone and liked people, he enjoyed his retirement job at Bass Pro Shop and made great use of his employee discount.  Hep loved hunting at his farmhouse in Cameron County and he relished the “manly weekends” at Worlds End State Park.  He was a member of the Mechanicsburg Club and was a faithful Methodist, who was well-respected and known for his honesty.  Above all, Hep was a devoted and loving family man and he will be missed by his family and extended family of the Lower Allen Township Police Department.

All are welcome to join Hep’s family at his viewing on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with George Blessing officiating.  Hep’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, 61 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, following the service.  Cremation will be private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to Holy Spirit Hospital SICU and Reverend Rochelle E. Lewis who so lovingly cared for Hep during his illness.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011; www.pawoundedwarriors.org.

Hep’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Hep’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .