Kent Epperson

Born to Ken and Lola Epperson in Denver and raised in Littleton, Kent joined an older brother, Paul, attending K-12 schools in Littleton. As a young child he was heavy and didn't care much about physical activity, but took over Paul's paper route when Paul was off doing his sports. He enjoyed spending time with his mom in the kitchen and loved sewing at an early age. At Littleton High School he was Manager for different sports teams. He attended the University of Northern Colorado, graduating with his BA in education and Masters in Counseling. Kent entered the field of education as a special education teacher and counselor. Later, he worked and retired from Qwest. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeannie Tews. To this union, his first daughter was born, Marci Jo. He met and married his second wife, Candi Cuillard; their daughter Kiley was born in 1981. Throughout these years Kent is remembered as gentle. kind, patient, and calm. It was during the early 90's that Kent began expressing himself in the GLBT Community. Kent became a member of the Denver Professional Men's Club, which led his being invited to join the Board of Directors of the Alexander Foundation. The mid-90's led to Kent's experience in the leather community when he outgrew line dancing at Charlie's. He became a member of the Dignity Defenders; was ""Rocky Mountain Mister Leather"" in 1996; and went to International Mister Leather in 1996 proudly representing Denver landing in the Top 20 of the 55-member field. Kent was a great representative of the Leather Community and was loved by all, but it did not take long for his passion for glitter and rhinestones to appear. He began to raise money for charity by performing as ""Sandi Fran Crisco"" and became active in the Imperial Court. No one who has seen him perform will ever forget Cruella DeVille asking ""how much is that doggie in the window"" nor forget his rhinestone-Crisco-can purse. It was Kent's commitment and dignified presence that resulted in Kent's selection as Prince Royale 25. Kent served the Imperial Court in an outstanding manner, and so when he chose run for Emperor 27 there were no opponents, and he was crowned as The Legend of the Red Heart, The Leather and Rhinestone Chameleon Emperor, Emperor 27. The 27th Reign was known as the ""Reign of Respect, Sparkle and Excitement"" and anyone who knows Kent's love of rhinestones, knows he loved to sparkle. He won numerous awards for ""Best Costume"" and ""Best Dressed Emperor"". Kent's commitment to the charity continued after he stepped down, and he served in many capacities, including being a member of the White Rose Scholarship committee and as King Father of the 34th Reign. Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Lola Epperson and is survived by his daughter Kiley Epperson and Marci Jo Roberts (Tommy), two grandsons brother Paul Epperson (Becky), niece Kristy Sterling, and nephew Aaron Epperson.