Donald A. Kepner, 81 years, of Milford Street, Port Royal, passed away at 9:18 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.
Born in Port Royal on June 5, 1933, he was the son of the late John and Gertrude (Smith) Kepner.
He graduated from the Tuscarora Valley High School in 1952 and soon after entered the United States Army and was stationed at Worms, Germany. Next, he attended the Thompson Business College, where he received a degree in Business Administration.
He then entered the work force at Sunoco in Harrisburg for two years when he was asked to work for his uncle at the Port Royal Times. He spent 27 years working for the newspaper and later worked for Fruehauf Trailers. His final employment was with Bill Reynolds as a carpet installer. Don also was a valued part time employee with the Rex Funeral Home in Port Royal.
Noted for his woodworking, he spent many years making crafts and attending craft shows. His other passion was tending to his roses and yard. When he was able in the spring and summer, he enjoyed fly fishing, as well as hunting with his wife in the fall.
An avid traveler, his favorite trip was to Israel where he followed the steps of Jesus.
Don loved to volunteer his help wherever there was a need. During his lifetime, he served as chairman, EMT and First Aid instructor for the Port Royal Ambulance, and was chairman of the former Crippled Children. He enjoyed helping at church functions, including the church's fair stand.
A great fan of Penn State, Don held a 52 year season ticket for football, and men's and ladies' basketball. He also was a NASCAR fan, and did not miss many races.
He was a lifetime member of the Port Royal Lutheran Church, as well as a lifetime member of the Port Royal Ambulance Club. Don also belonged to the Mifflintown Rotary Club, Williams Grove Oldtimers, Millerstown Moose, Penn State Hoops Club, Lady Lion's Cager Club, and the Juniata County Chapter of the Salvation Army.
Don is survived by his wife, Sylvia I. (Fogel) Kepner, whom he married on October 3, 1959.
Other survivors include: a brother-in-law, Paul Fogel and companion, Jude, of Eugene, Ore.; siblings, Bradford Kepner and companion, Joyce, of Hummelstown, Bernace James and husband, Charles, of S.C., Leon Kepner and wife, Mary, of Mifflintown, Andra Aaron and husband, Frank, of N.J. and Gerald Kepner and wife, Francine, of Fla.; a number of nieces and nephews and a favorite nephew, Bryan (Duff) Kepner and family.
He is also survived by an adopted family: Gary and Barbara Brandt, of Northumberland, Dave and Becky Mowry, of Sunbury, and Michael White, of Lewisburg.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother, John Kepner.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at the Port Royal Lutheran Church with the Rev. Charles L. Hershberger officiating.
Interment will follow at the Adam's Cemetery, Walker Township, where military graveside services will be conducted by the Juniata County Veteran's Council.
A viewing will be held on Friday evening, February 13, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rex Funeral Home, Port Royal.
If one chooses, memorial donations may be made in Don's memory to the Port Royal Lutheran Church Handicapped Fund, PO Box 267, Port Royal, PA 17082.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/24/24 - Image Year: 1952
TVHS CLASS OF 1952 Front Row: Leona Taylor, Leota Cisney, Blanche Leonard, Peggy Seiber, Nan Bhooher, Mary Peterson, Edith Longacre; Middle Row: Mrs. Kephart (Teacher) Back Row: Donald Kepner, Donn Kepner, Jasper Page, Ronald Fidler, Lane Swartz, Walter Bailor, Marlin Johnson
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/1/11 - Image Year: 1992
Donald and Sylvia (Fogel) Kepner in photo taken at the Port Royal Lutheran Church in 1992.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 1/15/13 - Image Year: 1960
Donald Kepner during his military service. (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 1/15/13 - Image Year: 1956
Donald Kepner during his military service. (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/1/11 - Image Year: 1959
Donald and Sylvia (Fogel) Kepner in photo taken at their wedding in 1959
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/1/11 - Image Year: 1960
Don and Sylvia Kepner with new 1959 Pontiac convertible.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/14/12 - Image Year: 1979
KEPNER SIBLINGS & FATHER 1979 FAMILY REUNION:
(left to right: Leon Kepner, Bernice (Kepner) James, Gerald Kepner, Brad Kepner, Don Kepner, Andrea (Kepner) Aron and (Father) John C. Kepner
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/1/11 - Image Year: 2004
Donald A. Kepner in 2004.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/1/11 - Image Year: 2009
Donald and Sylvia Kepner being recognized for their strong support of the Penn State Basketball program
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/13/13 - Image Year: 1962
BROTHER OF THE BRUSH: Don Kepner with his beard for Port Royal's Sesqui-centennial Celebration in 1962. (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/11/23 - Image Year: 1960
DONALD'S MEMBERSHIP CARD IN THE PARSON TURTLE ASSO. (From the Facebook listing of wife Sylvia Kepner)
