Bill Kephart

Bill "Keppy" Kephart, 87, died Nov. 6, 2007 in Casa Grande after a short illness.


He was born Edwin Lawrence Kephart in a small town in Kansas on April 10, 1920, the only son of Charles and Edna Kephart, formerly of Concordia, Kan. After serving in the Army during World War II and doing a little mining in Wickenburg with his father-in-law, Mr. Kephart and his wife and two daughters moved to Casa Grande in 1948. Soon after, in 1950, they had a son. During his years in Casa Grande he grew cotton in the Maricopa and Casa Grande areas. After years of farming he formed Pinal Chemical Company, supplying area farmers with fertilizers and chemicals.

He made many friends through the Elks and Los Conquistadors four-wheel-drive club and through business. He loved to cook and participated in many cookouts and trail rides with Los Conquistadors and cattle auction cookouts with John Wayne and Louis Johnson. He was known for his sense of humor and love for his family and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Bev Kephart and Janice Ethington; his son, Don Kephart; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Nutter Kephart, in 2003, and a sister, Lucille Menzie.

A family memorial service is planned for the spring in San Diego.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona, P.O. Box 11859, Casa Grande, AZ 85230-1859.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.