Robert Kepley

Robert Kepley, age 68, of Chanute, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at his home in Chanute.

William Robert Kepley was born on April 9, 1957, in Chanute, Kansas. He was the first of five children born to Robert Dean Kepley and Gladys Eileen (Trammell) Kepley. Robert grew up in Chanute and lived there for the majority of his life.

Following his schooling, he began farming with his father and continued to farm after his father's passing. He then transitioned to working in the oil fields on a drilling rig. Throughout the years, his work in the oil industry included many different jobs, from driving a truck and running a bulldozer to operating a drilling rig. Robert was a true mechanic at heart, with a unique ability to fix and make many things work again. He enjoyed tractor pulling, even adding a motorcycle engine to his lawnmower to create his own pulling tractor.

Robert was known for never meeting a stranger. He enjoyed a cold beer and good conversation, loved to laugh, and was a fan of comedy from Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy. He had a special love for his dogs; his schnauzer, Frank, was one of his favorites and went everywhere with him. Robert was a 20 plus year member of the Masonic Cedar Lodge #103.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gladys Kepley; and his brother, Samuel, who passed away in 1964.

He is survived by his daughter, Chrystal Bryant and Craig Watson; his two grandchildren, Shelbi and Kolten Bryant; two brothers and a sister, Jim and Desiree Kepley, Mike and Ivy Kepley, and Becci and Tom Wheatley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepchildren and their families: Nick Adams, Melissa Burris, Donnie Adams, and Dorinda Adams.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Castaways Animal Shelter and Sanctuary and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.