Frank P. Hepner, a retired welder who enjoyed home improvement projects, died of a circulatory ailment Friday at Gilchrist Hospice Care. The Middle River resident was 92.
Born in Baltimore and raised in Fells Point, he was a 1935 City College graduate and later attended Strayer's Business College. He served in the Army as a medical technician during World War II.
Mr. Hepner became a welder and worked at Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point Shipyard and later for the Standard Oil Co. He retired nearly 30 years ago from the C. Hoffberger Co. He oversaw the unloading of fuel from tankers docked in Canton.
In his free time, Mr. Hepner enjoyed home-building projects. He was skilled in construction, masonry, framing, plumbing, wiring and finishing.
"He would never turn down a request by a family member for a clubroom, deck or any type of home improvement project," said his son Francis L. Hepner of Bowleys Quarters.
Mr. Hepner restored antique and used cars. He also painted decorative murals on walls in his home. He sewed and made dresses for his wife and daughter and curtains for their home. He reupholstered furniture and danced the polka.
A Mass was offered Monday at the Shrine of the Little Flower.
In addition to his son, survivors include another son, Michael J. Hepner of Bowleys Quarters; a daughter, Mary Trocki of Shrewsbury, Pa.; a brother, Henry Hepner of Timonium; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. His wife of more than 30 years, the former Mary Simms, died in 1975.
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