Arnold Jack Kephart, the son of Ernest and Ida May Kephart, was born in Langdon, Missouri on June 15, 1936. He married Maxine Plummer in 1960, and they had one son, Bill Kephart. They later divorced. He remarried while in Germany and became the father to Kitty Bartella. Soon after they divorced. Later in 1976, he was united in marriage to Brigitte Buchling. They became parents to three children, son, Frank and daughters, Katharina and Kathleen. Later they divorced and Arnold returned back to the United States in 1989 making Tarkio, Missouri his home.
He spent many years as a truck driver and later drove for Tri County Sanitation. After retiring in 2006, he enjoyed mowing yards. He raised three kids as a single parent, always making sure they had everything they needed. He loved his grandchildren and would always surprise them with plenty of treats! Arnold enjoyed playing cards, Rummy and Solitaire were his favorite. He also liked watching wrestling, watching birds out his window, and reading his Bible on Sunday mornings while listening to old country gospel music. He had a big heart and though not a lot of money, he regularly donated to St. Jude's and animal rescue organizations. He loved dogs, especially his dog Badger. Arnold passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Clarinda, Iowa, at the age of 89.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ernest and Ida May; five brothers and four sisters, Harold, Everett, Marion, Marvin, Lloyd, Eva May, Belle, Helen and Mary Lou. He is survived by his sisters, Flossie Dunbar and Alice Smith; his children, Bill Kephart (Robyn) Australia, Kitty Bartella, Germany, Frank Kephart, Kelly Phillips, Kathleen Kephart (Herman Ritchie) all of Westboro, Missouri; grandchildren, Adam and Adrienne Phillips, Caleb and Britney Ritchie; great-granddaughter, Evy; numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside Service and Interment: 12:30 P.M., Friday, August 15, 2025, I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Craig, Missouri
The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Friday, August 15, Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, Missouri.
Memorials: Arnold Kephart Memorial Fund for his grandchildren.
Arrangements: Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.
