John Ephilin

John Tillman Ephlin Jr., 79, of Covington, IN, passed away at home on October 2, 2026. He was born in Clinton, IN, in 1947 to John and Mildred Ephlin who preceded him in death.

John grew up in Cayuga, IN, and was a part of the first graduating class of North Vermillion High School. He enjoyed playing football and basketball and it was there he met his wife of 61 years, Luella Elizabeth Ephlin, while attending the basketball sectional. John and Luella were married in 1965, and moved to Covington, IN, where they have lived ever since. He worked for Tee Pak, Incorporated for 41 years. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed attending the monthly breakfasts held for the Tee Pak retirees. John was a member of the Covington United Methodist Church where he and his wife worshiped and enjoyed their granddaughter’s children’s messages and her performances with their choir.

John is survived by his wife, Luella, his children: Chris Gegner of Brownsburg, and Dawn Vale (the late Paul Vale) of Covington, as well as his grandchildren Miranda (Andrew Thompson) Gegner, Phillip (Sarah) Gegner, and Lauren Vale. He is also survived by his sisters, Jessica Hughes and Dianna Jeffers, both of Danville, IL, and his great-grandchildren Skylar, Arlo, Eli, and Luke.

John truly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and their many backyard campouts at grandpa and grandma’s house. He and his wife rarely missed a football game of their grandson Phillip’s, or a volleyball game of their granddaughter Lauren’s. John and Luella also served as the ring bearer and flower girl at their granddaughter Miranda’s wedding in Charleston, SC. John also loved to golf and was proud to have shot a hole-in-one at Rivercrest golf course. He also enjoyed fishing with his father locally and in Canada for several years with a great group of friends.

John had a long history of service and leadership in fraternal organizations, whereby fundraising served to fund local charities and scholarships. He and his wife enjoyed many wonderful memories, friendships, and travels over the years as a result of his affiliation. He joined the Free and Accepted Masons originally at Cayuga Lodge # 584 in 1969, then became affiliated with Unity Lodge # 344 in Perrysville in 1992, and also Fountain Lodge #60 in Covington in 1996. John was past Master of both the Cayuga and Covington Lodges and served in many other roles over his tenure; to include treasurer, junior warden, and senior warden. He was awarded the 50-year gold award in 2019 at Unity Lodge #344 for 50 years of service and dedication. John was also a member and Past Commander-in-Chief of the Consistory Line of the Valley of Terre Haute Scottish Rite, joining in 1995 and in Washington D.C. in 2007, was crowned as a 33° Mason. He was also a 50-year member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge # 36 in Covington, IN.

He will be fondly remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather by his family. As well as for his fun-loving nature and one-of-a-kind humor, one-liners, and charm by all who knew him. The family would like to convey thankfulness for the many kind words, calls, cards, and prayers over the past months.

A visitation for John will be held on Wednesday October 7, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Covington Chapel 420 3rd Street Covington, Indiana from 11-2 pm. Masonic rights services will start at 2. Followed by a funeral service, officiated by Pastor Noel Whiteman. Burial at Mount Hope Cemetery. Please join John’s family in sharing pictures, videos, and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com