Michael "Mickey" Epeards Sr.

Michael “Mickey” Epeards Sr., age 69 of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Friday morning, December 8, 2023.

Mickey was born on August 4, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana, a son of Robert Earl and Sarah Josephine (Nicholson) Epeards Sr.

He married Audrey  "Ann" Hammons on March 15, 1975 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Audrey “Ann” Epeards of Indianapolis.

He is also survived by his children: Michael (wife Christina) Epeards Jr., and Jamie Epeards.

Grandson: Jason Lee Epeards.

 Stepchildren: Terri, Eddie and Donald. 

Nieces, nephews, and other relatives survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents mentioned above, one brother, and one sister.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East Funeral Center, located at 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229.

His funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.

Burial will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery.

After finding the love of his life, Ann.  Mickey joined the towing industry at the young age of 18.  He quickly found a passion and a love for the industry.  He started his career at a prominent towing company in the Indianapolis area.  Working from the ground up, his success led him to rank up from driver to head Manager.  Over the decades, Mickey became a staple in the Indianapolis towing & recovery industry. He formed relationships with IFD, IMPD, Marion County Sherriff's office, ISP, Cumberland Police Dept, along with several other police departments in Hancock, Hamilton, and Madison counties.  He was a major resource for these entities for major crisis situations as well as handling the smaller day to day jobs.  He had the respect, knowledge, and experience to handle any situation thrown his way.  Mickey also formed relationships with thousands of customers along the way that later became lifelong friendships.  

 Mickey left his longtime job and took his knowledge to Garners Towing.  He started his career there as the manager of approximately 10 employees. With the help of his guidance and the customer relationships he built, Garners has grown from one location to five throughout his 15 years of service with over 55 employees and 40 plus units.  He was very proud of what he had accomplished and took pride in everything he did.  He is an icon in the towing industry and will continue to leave a mark for years to come.  Mickey was not just their employee; he was their friend and family.

Mickey considered himself lucky with such an amazing family and a job that he loved, but he was even more lucky when he was the recipient of a successful liver transplant.

Mickey had 3 things in life that he loved. First and most importantly, he loved his family, His wife, kids, and grandkids were his pride and joy.  The second thing he loved was his job.  He lived for it.  The third thing he loved was his 1964 Chevy Nova that he was actively restoring. 

Most will agree that he left a lasting footprint in the hearts and lives of those he knew.