William D. “Bill” Kepner, Sr., 76, of Oswego, died at 6:32 p.m., Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Labette Health.
Born August 5, 1946, in Chetopa, Bill was the son of Earl Emery and Betty June (Moore) Kepner. They preceded him in death. Bill was also preceded in death a daughter, Tammi Lyn Kepner; two brothers, one sister and one great-granddaughter, Denver Dean.
As a young boy, Bill grew up and attended a country school east of Chetopa. He attended Cherokee County Rural High School.
Bill served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, Following his service, he worked in the mining industry as a crane operator in silver, copper and salt mines in various western states. He then returned to the Chetopa area, where he worked on a hog farm in Chetopa and then at Jackson Pecans until his retirement.
Bill was a Baptist. While living in Utah, he was a member of a Four-Wheel Drive Club. Besides spending time with his family, Bill enjoyed wade fishing in the river and listening to music from the 1950’s and 60’s. He was affectionately known by family and friends as Papa Smurf.
Bill and Vicki L. Hoza were united in marriage November 29, 1965 in Glenwood Springs, Colo. They were together for 60 years. She survives of the home.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by two sons, William D. Kepner, Jr. of Oswego and Richard D. Kepner (wife, Juanita) of Chetopa. His sister, Cathy Gatewood of Oswego and brother, Mike Gatewood of Emporia along with nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren also survive.
There will be a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. Saturday, December 10, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa with military honors presented by the Brown-Bishop, VFW Post 704 of Parsons. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. Saturday, until the service begins.