Jay Michael Epple, 67, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 at The Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH.  
 
He was born on September 22, 1950 to Jay D. and Nancy (Lee) Epple at Toledo, OH.  On July 7, 1973, he married Sheryl Peffley, whom survives.
 
Jay worked at GM in Defiance, and was a Life Member of VFW Post 3360, member of AMVETS Post 1991, Eagles Aerie 372, and the Auglaize Country Club.  He enjoyed antique collecting, golf, and spending time with his family, especially cherishing his grandchildren..
 
Jay is survived by his loving spouse Sheryl Epple of Defiance, OH, three sons, Matthew (Michelle) Epple of Bloomington, IN, Eric (Amanda) Epple of Defiance, OH, and Christopher (Jennifer) Epple of Defiance, OH, four grandchildren, Sidney Epple, Colin  Epple, Maya Epple, and Lucy Epple, two sisters, Debi (Craig) Ripley of Findlay, OH,  and Diane (Phil) Strahm of Knoxville, TN.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Terry Epple.
 
Visitation will be held Monday, January 15, 2018, from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.
     
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at 11:00 am at the funeral  home, with Rev. Gene Yenser, officiating.
 
Burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery.
 
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Donor's Choice.