MOUNT VERNON — John W. Kepple died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
John was born June 16, 1948, to John D. Kepple and Ida Mae (Hildebrand) Kepple, both of whom preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary (Owens) Kepple; his two daughters, Carrie Jadud (Matthew) of Meadville, Pa., and Sarah Kepple (Andrew Harant) of Lakewood; one grandchild, Matthew John Jadud; his aunt, Shalmir Moseley of Mount Vernon; three brothers, Michael (Karen) of Mount Vernon, Dennis (Denise) of Akron and Ralph (Lisa) of Atlanta, Ga., and four sisters, Jill Schwarz (Richard), Holly McCutchen (Michael), and Patricia Petit, all of Mount Vernon, and Melodee Tickle (Roger) of Utica.
John was a lifelong resident of the Knox County area, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1966, and from The Ohio State University in 1970 and 1975 with bachelor and master’s degrees in science education. He taught science at Utica and East Knox High Schools until his retirement in 2000. A member of Gay Street United Methodist Church, he was active in the choir, served as member and chair of numerous committees, and created and maintained the church Web page. An avid golfer and duplicate bridge player, he was 1972 Elks County Open champion and 2000 Irish Hills club champion, and achieved bronze Life Master level in the American Contract Bridge League. John also sang in the Kenyon Community Choir and Dixie Lads barbershop quartet.
There will be no calling hours. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., prior to the memorial service, Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m., at the Gay Street United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Living Memorial at the Gay Street UMC or to Hospice of Knox County.
This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of John W. Kepple.