Frank E. Kephart

Frank E. Kephart, 84, of Farmington, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Farmington. Frank was born March 15, 1927, in York, Pa., to Earl and Pauline Savelle Kephart. Frank was orphaned at age five when his mother passed away. He was raised by the Ben Davis Family. Frank was a lifelong resident of New Mexico. He was raised in the Gladstone and Clayton areas of the state. Frank worked on farms and ranches in the Clayton area, and was a rodeo rider during high school and college. Frank served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He finished high school in Clayton after he came home, and graduated from Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. Frank taught school in Albuquerque for 25 years. For 15 years, he ran the building department for San Juan County, then performed home inspections as requested since he was FHA and ICBO licensed. Frank's first marriage to Elizabeth Anne "Tibbie" Edmonds gave him two children, James Michael and Susan; and two grandchildren. From his marriage to Elizabeth Anne "Betty Ann" Beyer, he has a son, Robert. Frank has been married to Martha Whitford Kephart for more than 24 years. Other close family members are Martha's five children; 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who all called him "grandpa." Frank also had three brothers. His brother Jack resides in Oregon. Frank will be very much missed, but we know that he is at home with Jesus now and free from any discomfort. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St. Farmington, NM 87401. Arrangements are with Daniels Family Funeral Services, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, (505) 326-3671.