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 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.

Arnold 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! After retiring in 2006, he enjoyed mowing yards. He also enjoyed playing cards and 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 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 was 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, and Kathleen Kephart (Herman Ritchie), all of Westboro, Missouri; grandchildren, Adam and Adrienne Phillips and Caleb and Britney Ritchie; great-granddaughter, Evy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and interment was held Friday, August 15, 2025, at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Craig, Missouri, conducted by Pastor Beau Armstrong. Memorials may be directed to the Arnold Kephart Memorial Fund for his grandchildren. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.