Franklin Howard Tevepaugh, 86, passed away on Thursday July 23, 2026, in Statesville, North Carolina. A native of Iredell County, he was born on January 21, 1940, to the late Dock Tevepaugh and Ducie Rummage Tevepaugh.
Frank was a graduate of the Troutman High School Class of 1959 and went on to serve in the United States Army. A member of the Pipeliners Local Union 798 for 60 years, he was a highly respected welder whose work took him across the nation, including service on the Alaskan Pipeline. He was also a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Troutman.
His happiest times were often spent working in his shop and on his cattle farm, and in his vegetable garden. He took genuine pleasure in sharing what he grew, often offering vegetables to friends and neighbors. He was always ready to help out or to lend a hand to others in any way he could. Frank had a ready smile, usually with either a good joke or a story about one of his many adventures in life. He especially loved his family and friends, every time his great-grandson Asher would visit, he would give him an oatmeal cream pie, which they would call “Papaw cookies”.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Gladys Yvonne Readling Tevepaugh; his son, James Franklin Tevepaugh; his parents; his brothers, George Raymond Tevepaugh, James Tevepaugh, John Ralph Tevepaugh, and Dock Edward Tevepaugh; and his sister, Brenda Kay Tevepaugh Barnette.
He is survived by his daughter, Carol Tevepaugh Lamberth of Statesville; his granddaughter, Brittany Ashton Slate, and her husband Christian; his great-grandson, Asher Lee Slate; and another great-grandson due in October.
The family will receive friends at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. A funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm with the Rev. Tommy Ingalls officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.
Donations may be made in Frank's memory to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 579 Weathers Creek Rd, Troutman, NC 28166.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve Mr. Tevepaugh and his family.
