Dewaine Russell Kephart

Dewaine Russell Kephart Sr., went to be with the Lord on Sunday June 25,2023. He died peacefully at his homestead on the outskirts of Osceola Mills, surrounded by his family.

Dewaine was born on January 9, 1943 in Philipsburg at the Benson's Sanitarium.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Althea Kephart.

On September 29, 1962 in the New Castle Church, he wed his wife Melvina (Henry) Kephart, who survives at home.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children; Wendy Kephart of Philipsburg, Sherry Hewitt and her significant other Harry Dotts of Ashland, Kerri Kay "Fat Cat" Kanouff and her husband Charlie of Houtzdale, Dewaine Kephart Jr and his wife Nancy of New Castle, rural Osceola Mills, along with his grandchildren; Alyssa "AJ" Woods and her husband Zachary of West Decatur, Christopher "Buzz" Reams Jr. of New Castle, rural Osceola Mills, Brittany Stratton and her husband Michael of Philipsburg, Bandy Killon and her significant other Dennis Fallon of Hollywood CA, Sean Killon and his fiancé Jenn Graham of Clearfield, Taylor Maney and her husband Jeremy of Karthaus, Bobby Gallagher and his wife Kelsie of Houtzdale, and Hunter and Savannah Nichol of Houtzdale.

Also survived are his great grandchildren, Haley and Kaley Hawkins of Philipsburg, Noah Stratton of Philipsburg, Briella Woods of West Decatur, Kimber Reams of New Castle, rural Osceola Mills, and Josephine and Roxanne Gallagher of Houtzdale.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson Kasey Kephart, and an infant great grandson Nathan Stratton 

Dewaine loved restoring old tractors, his fur babies Ellie Mae and Sarge, old country music, fishing the Juniata River, sipping on Ginger Brandy, and helping his granddaughter Alyssa with her goat farming.

Dewaine was a mentor to many, full of jokes and wit up to the very end.

He was a Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War and was decorated with a "V" for valor for his service.  He retired from the United States Army Reserves in Clearfield.

He worked for Stott Coal Company, Rudd Equipment, and New Enterprise

He was a member of the Houtzdale American Legion, Houtzdale Loyal Order of Moose, and the Osceola Masonic Lodge #515 F & A.M.

 His one-of-a-kind charm will be missed by many.

There will be no visitation or service at this time.  Intermit with Graveside Military Honors will be announced at a later date.

The Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wwwbirgerafreebergfuneralhome.com