Harry Larsen Kepler

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Skyland Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Walker and Rev. Jon Wiggins officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home.

Harry was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Marie Kepler; his father, Harry Naso Kepler; his sister, Betsy Joyce; and his beloved son, Michael Kepler. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Kepler; his daughters, Robin Jordan (Ric) and Paige Dykes (Greg); sisters, Sharon Mount and Peggy Biggers; his cherished grandchildren, Ashley Kate Birdsong, Jon Taylor Kepler, Clay Kepler, Lexi Dykes, Kepler Dykes, Jamie Nero (Eddie), Mathew Jordan, and Sarah Swatkowski (Evan); 6 and counting great grandchildren.

At a young age, after the passing of his parents, while residing in Birmingham, Alabama, Harry stepped into the role of provider and protector for his family, becoming a big brother and guardian to his three sisters. Harry graduated from Shades Valley High School, then he went on to play basketball at the University of Alabama and proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Harry dedicated his life to service, leadership, and protection of others. Early in his career, he managed various businesses before answering a calling to public service. He served as a law enforcement officer with the Brookwood Police Department and later as Chief of the Brookwood Volunteer Fire Department. His passion for fire service and community safety led him to play a key role in establishing multiple volunteer fire departments across the state.

Harry went on to serve with the Alabama Forestry Commission as the Northwest Region Fire Specialist, where he received the State Forester’s Leadership Award and was recognized for outstanding performance in several critical wildfire prevention efforts. He served as a legislative liaison working with the Rural Community Fire Protection Program, helped establish the Jefferson–Shelby Wildland Urban Interface Council, and assisted in the development of the Alabama Wildland Fire Academy. As a Safety Officer Instructor, he co-authored the wildland firefighting course curriculum and traveled across the country battling wildfires. Over the course of his career, Harry trained thousands of firefighters around the world, leaving an enduring impact on fire safety and emergency response.

Since 2014, Harry faithfully served as the Safety Resource Officer and security liaison for Tuscaloosa Christian School, continuing his lifelong commitment to protecting and serving others. He also was the shop/ tech/woodwork class instructor for some years. Always giving his time, his love, and making so many friendships along the way. Impacting countless lives! His time at Tuscaloosa Christian was a joy for him in every way! The relationships made there meant so much to him. The kids - watching over them - his number 1 priority, as he would say, was to "keep them safe". He showed compassion and gave of his time without question each and every day in every capacity.

Above all his accomplishments, Harry was a man of deep faith. He shared the Gospel in some way wherever he went, living out the values that defined his life—leading, helping, serving, and protecting. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.

God had a direct hand in bringing Harry and his wife Patricia together 49 years ago - they loved and lived a blessed life together. Patricia gave so much of herself to caring for Harry in these last years and days - He cared so deeply for his family - always so much love, safety, and protection! His children and grandkids were his joy and absolute light.

There will never be enough words to do this man justice on how many people he positively impacted and the number of accomplishments he made in his life, as well as how much he truly cared. His love was boundless - always helping, protecting, loving, giving, and goodness. He loved Jesus! Harry Kepler was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, friend to all, protector, leader, and teacher.

This man truly Lived! His impact was endless, a legacy!

Pallbearers will be Greg Dykes, Danny Lancaster, Tommy Bosch, Tim Pierce, Doug Walker, and Ken Elmore.

Honorary pallbearers are David McCurry, Dan Lancaster, Doug Dailey, Jon Taylor Kepler, Clay Kepler, Alabama Forestry Commission, DCH nursing staff, DCH Home Health, DCH ICU doctors and staff, Dr. William E. Alldredge, Dr. Goffrey Alilonu, Dr. K.M. Dinesh Chandra, and Tuscaloosa Christian School.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tuscaloosa Christian School.