PORTAGE - F. Walter Van Epps, 83, a lifelong resident of Portage, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at his home.

Walter was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Portage, the son of Freeland and Ruth Walters Van Epps.

He graduated in 1944 from Portage High School, where he was the yearbook editor. Walter was a photographer and painter, and he owned and operated The Color Spot in Portage for many years, and previously worked for his family's company, The Freeland Tank Co. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Portage, where he had been the organist. He was a member of the Portage Elks Lodge No. 675, and Fort Winnebago Masonic Lodge No. 33, F&AM, where he was in charge of the chapter in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also a member of Order of the Eastern Star No. 100, Portage.

He is survived by his son, Jerome Van Epps of Madison; his cousins, Kenneth, Timothy, Ruth and Sara Snart, and Jim (Ione) Van Epps, and their families; many friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Mary Ann.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Portage, with the Rev. Richard Edwin Craig III officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the church Nov. 7.

Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church or the Portage Elks Lodge No. 675 in Walter's name.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.