Tallgrass Creek Priority List Member Hopes to Enjoy Good Company

By Carrie Anne Deters
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

A native of Soldier, Kansas which is north of Topeka, Gerald Jepson grew up on a dairy farm. As a young boy, he could only imagine the adventures life would hold for him. As the oldest of three, Jepson had a lot of responsibilities at the farm—not only did he keep up with his regular chores and school work, but he also walked a half mile into town to sell milk.

A Lifetime of Adventures
Growing up in Soldier rang true with Gerald Jepson’s destiny as he joined the Infantry during World War II. He spent most of his military career working with the Army Corps of Engineers. His very first overseas adventure began when he traveled to England just before Christmas in 1943. While across the Atlantic, Jepson also worked as an Administrative officer, training and supervising other soldiers.

During the Battle of the Bulge, Gerald was stationed in Le Harve, France on a ship anchored in the harbor. Although he witnessed much devastation from the bombing—Jepson always hoped he’d return. His next orders sent him to Belgium and Germany. Still in Germany when the Armistice was signed, Jepson went south to Cologne driving on the Autobahn to Bavaria, and then returned to Marseilles, France. His return orders took him to Boston via the Strait of Gibraltar.

Years later, after marriage, raising a family, and retiring from a very successful career, Mr. Jepson and his wife returned to Le Hare in 1993. By that time the travel bug had struck. The Jepson’s traveled to all 50 states and every continent. It all started with a church trip to Hawaii. Some of Mr. Jepson’s favorite places include Fiji, Tahiti, and Australia.

Mapping Out the Next Adventure
Mr. Jepson is especially excited about life’s next adventure. He looks forward to his future at Tallgrass Creek, “I can’t wait to have everything, all of my needs, taken care of,” says Jepson.