Merril Allen Kephart Jr.

Merril aka “Bud” Kephart passed away on May 26th, 2024. A beloved husband, Dad, Papa and teacher, he will be fondly remembered by many whose lives he touched. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia, and their children and their families - Julie Griffin, Tim (Monica), Jennifer Kephart (Steve) and 12 grandchildren who he loved with all his heart.

Bud was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to Merril Kephart, Sr. and Ellen Kephart. He grew up in a lively, hard working, scrabble-loving, simple home he shared with one older sister (Eunice) and a younger brother (Eldon). He was a very active, rambunctious child who sometimes gave his parents a run for their money. Bud gained a second brother (Alan) and third brother (Rob) after he was off to college. He really enjoyed getting to know each of them as an adult, especially when they moved to NY.

After graduating from Philipsburg-Osceola High School in 1960, Bud pursued a teaching degree from Lock Haven Teachers College where he met the love of his life, Patricia Emery. They married in 1962 and welcomed their first daughter, Julie, in 1963. The couple welcomed son, Tim in 1969, and daughter, Jennifer in 1971.

After graduating in 1965, Bud started his teaching career in Elmira Heights, NY, as a high school English teacher at Thomas Alva Edison High School. He went on to teach at Cohen Middle School for a few years before returning to Edison where he taught for the remainder of his career. He earned his Master’s Degree from Elmira College in 1969 while teaching full time.

During his tenure at Edison, Bud was a beloved English teacher, class advisor, National Education Association Teacher’s Union President, and Dean of Students. Professionally, Bud treasured being a teacher above all. He introduced his students to the writings of Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and Steinbeck among many others, inspiring some of his students to pursue teaching careers of their own. He was a master at using humor to bring literature to life thus ensuring his classroom was a place where students looked forward to learning. He memorized “The Raven” and read it to his students holding the book upside down, he shared some little known gossip about Shakespeare, and generally had a behind the scenes tidbit or story to capture students’ interest.

Bud’s dedication to enriching the lives of the students he taught manifested in many ways beyond the classroom – from acting as class advisor and organizing the “Hoe Down,” to running the student store, putting his creative talents to decorating the school for the “Time of Our Lives” prom, and spending many hours in the dark room developing the pictures that would grace the school yearbook. His students also talk of how he encouraged and supported them throughout their sometimes turbulent teen years. He valued all children and sought the goodness he believed they possessed. The lifelong impact he made during his 33-year career is evident in the warm memories shared by former students and colleagues throughout the years he taught and after his retirement.

Although the classroom was the first place where Bud’s many talents shone, it was not the only place his “sparkling wit and charming personality” overflowed. It was not uncommon to find Bud in the teacher’s lounge entertaining and amusing coworkers with his wit and humor. A vocal advocate for fellow teachers, Bud’s unwavering commitment to negotiating contracts ensured fair and equitable terms for teachers and inspired his first daughter, Julie, to pursue a career in Labor Relations.

While Bud was deeply committed to his profession, his main source of joy and pride was his family. He was his son’s first coach and remained a constant in his athletic life in high school and beyond. When not coaching, he was a loyal fan in the stands– never missing a game and excitedly discussing the details of plays and merits of calls long after the games ended. He joined both Tim and Jennifer’s adventures in Indian Guides and Indian Princesses. Many memories were also made on fishing adventures to the Finger Lakes, Sing Sing Creek and the Chemung River with his children and brothers. One time he caught a fish so big it did not need to be unhooked, but it did need the worm removed from its throat! He also enjoyed eating candy bars in tree stands while his brother, Alan, hunted around him. He once tested gravity and failed miserably, breaking a couple of ribs in the process. That didn’t stop him from enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with 10 plus family members. Motorcycling was a short-lived career choice as he skidded down the road and was hospitalized as a result. He did, however, attend the prom in a tux and top hat and dancing on crutches. Camping adventures and memories began in a tent in the Adirondacks and progressed to a 32 foot camper at Myrtle Beach with many family and friends and colleagues throughout the years. Nature, wildlife, and gardening were all things he treasured and he would often say, “look at the deer.” He spent countless hours working on his back yard, creating a waterfall and pond suitable for a gardening magazine. Sunday dinners and his cooking were legendary events that his family treasured. And there was plenty of laughter and always room for ice cream.

Most importantly he was a Papa to his 12 grandkids, dedicating his time and attention to each of them. He attended baseball, soccer, basketball, Little Gym, school grandparent days, kids’ concerts, dance recitals and countless other events. Whether an outing to a special yearly event like Journey to Bethlehem or the July 4th family gathering in Pennsylvania, or enjoying the simple pleasure of swinging with kids on the back porch swing, Papa could always be counted on to be right by his grandkids’ side. Never afraid of adventure, grandkids remember with excitement the time he rented a Charger sports car and took them for a ride through the hills of Pennsylvania. (Terrifying their parents!) He spent countless hours in his workhouse, tinkering with his woodworking and adjusting the fans with the kids. A sleepover at Papa’s was perhaps the favorite above all with the promise of many snuggles. For breakfast “cheesy eggs,” “juicy toast,” and “strawberry milk” were grandkids favorites. There was rarely any vacancy at Papa’s house!

Hard working, fun loving, inspiring and committed to his family, friends, students and colleagues, Merril/ Bud/ Dad/ Papa will be greatly missed. Donations may be made in his memory to St.Judes.org

A visitation for Merril will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Highway, Snellville, GA 30039. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 1:00 PM, 3594 Stone Mountain Highway, Snellville, GA 30039. A committal service will occur following the service at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, 3700 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA 30039.