Obituary

David Kepley
March 23, 1929 - December 16, 2020

David Kepley

David Kepley
Mar 23, 1929 - Dec 16, 2020

David Kepley
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To view Dave's life video go to: https://vimeo.com/492809307


David Kepley, 91, of Ames, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A public visitation will be held Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. A private family funeral service and burial will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required.

Dave was born on March 23, 1929 to George and Mable (Bish) Kepley in St. Marys, Iowa. After Dave completed high school in Zion, he married the love his life Merri Link on December 8, 1948 in Winterset, Iowa. The two moved to Ames in 1953, when Dave was hired by Mathison Ford. He went out on his own, opening a Texaco gas station on the corner of Kellogg and Lincoln Way. In 1962, Dave started Dave's Auto and Truck Service with 23 1/2 hour Towing in Ames where he was eventually joined by his three sons. Dave was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ames, a founding member at Iowa Motor Truck Association and the Moose Lodge #520. Dave loved spending time with his family and cherished every opportunity that he had with them. He never officially retired as he kept busy with farming and cattle as well as stopping in to the family business.

Dave referred to himself as "Honest Dave" and there was never a question of where you stood with him, good, bad, or otherwise. His family have many, many stories and memories; he will always be remembered.

Left to cherish Dave's memory is his children, David Jr. (Vicki) Kepley, Doyle (Betty) Kepley, Danny (Sue) Kepley, and Denise (David) Wirth all of Ames. Also, his 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, sisters Alice Delaney, and June Kepley and many nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Merri, parents George and Mable, siblings: Kathrine Dickson, Caroline Lauer, Virginia Pyle, Stanley Kepley, Maxine O'Conner, Evelyn Lamb, and two infant brothers.

To honor Dave's memory, he and his family would like you to take your family out for a dinner to best acknowledge his love of family. Dave's family requests that monetary gifts not be given.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Steven Alt on May 31, 2021

Knowing this man since I came to Ames in 1970 and only now knowing he died December of last year. Only finding out because of today May 31, 2021. Driving through the cemetery to honor those who I knew and saw Dave's date of death. We all do it, meet as we last did at the old Fareway on 6th Street. I saw Dave in the produce and yelled at him and he instantly recognized me. We hugged and began to talk and before we separated he gave me his phone number. I always was going to make the call and go up to Northridge to see him. I can't tell you how many times I picked up that piece of paper, even this year, to call. We had some differences but when it was done and over with we were like a son is to his father. I truly enjoyed the many years I knew Dave Sr and with deep admission wish the family my most sincere condolence.

René L Torres on Jan 9, 2021

My condolence to the Kepley Family,Great memorie from around the Kepley boys and Dave specially since 1983 to the time I move to Oregon have always remember their enthusiasm and great humor .Dave was a great guy that with his constant smille kept conversations alive my kind of guy ,that his soul rest in peace .

Melissa on Dec 21, 2020

David will truly be missed so much he was a great person and very friendly to people I will miss his smile

Ed Hendrickson on Dec 21, 2020

To the Family of Dave Kepley, My sympathies to you. I have known Dave for at least 50 years and we argued all of the 50. You knew where you stood. He could fix any car or truck and did it right. The world will miss Dave Kepley. Ed Hendrickson Sr.

Denise Kepley Wirth on Dec 21, 2020

From his children, David, Doyle, Danny and Denise. Thank you for kind the words and support for our dad. We have many memories that he will be with us always. Blessings and Love. His one and only daughter

Steve Lawson on Dec 21, 2020

Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a good man, 1st met him at a young age as he and my dad were friends for a long time. Got to have great respect for what Dave built and for the great family that he raised. When Dave said something you listened. Prayers to Dave's family

Joel and Becky Coats on Dec 20, 2020

David, Dan, Doyle, Jonathan, and Tom: I have so many great memories of your Dad and Grand Dad over the past 30 years! His kind heart, gentle nature, and sense of fairness made your shop the best ever! The highly competent service was appreciated too, of course. Fortunately his genetics and his influence have had great positive impact on the next two generations, and I've enjoyed the continuing care and excellent work at the shop. That's an amazing legacy for him to leave us all. Sorry I can't attend the visitation today, but I'm thinking about all of you, and I'll see you soon. Joel and Becky Coats

Mark Conley on Dec 20, 2020

Sorry to hear of your loss of Dave he was a good friend of our family and I have alot of memories of him that we can share sometime

Fred & Kay Lande on Dec 20, 2020

Kay Lande on December 20, 2020

Dave will be missed dearly by family and friends. I had the honor to rent from Dave and Merri for 13 years in the house they raised their family. Rest in Peace My Friend!

C Andreasen on Dec 20, 2020

I did not know Mr. Kepley long but met him since I often run on Stagecoach Road. He would drive over to view his fields in the area, and would stop to talk when he saw me. Last spring, we had some distanced talks about the history of the land. Also, he usually reminded me that there are faster ways to go up and down that road. Will miss seeing that white pickup and our brief chats that were a bright spot on my journey. My thoughts are with the family. Claire Andreasen

Brian Akers on Dec 18, 2020

Barely knew him, yet have experienced where he grew up, knew his folks and a couple of his children. He is a fine strong link in a fine family chain. Condolences given, the roots of your family will support the survivors. May God grant them all - an extra blessing.

Melinda Skellenger on Dec 18, 2020

Zion Alumni Banquet May 2019

Melinda Skellenger on Dec 18, 2020

Zion Alumni Banquet May 2019

Melinda Skellenger on Dec 18, 2020

Zion Alumni Banquet May 2019

Melinda Skellenger on Dec 18, 2020

Zion Alumni Banquet May 2019

Melinda Skellenger on Dec 18, 2020

Zion Alumni Banquet May 2019

Diana Ward on Dec 18, 2020

Dave was a successful man - who lived well, loved much and gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of his family. He leaves the world a better place than he found it. He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. Dave will be alive forever in his families hearts and memories. With heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Hugs, Diana Ward

Tom Fowler on Dec 18, 2020

Sorry for the families loss. I did not know Dave personally but I did business with his sons. I can tell by his sons that he we was a good man and instilled good ethics with his sons.

Ali Sisson on Dec 17, 2020

Dave was one of the funniest men I knew. He would have me rolling. He’s someone you could “shoot the shit” with. We always called each other trouble. He will be so very missed. I hope you all can find peace and comfort during this time ♥️

Mark Tyler on Dec 17, 2020

I enjoyed talking to your father, the towd one of my cars to Randall Iowa for me after an accident and I never forgot that, He will be greatly missed.

Jane (Carlsen) Brandt on Dec 17, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was an awesome man with awesome children. The memories of your dad will help get you through.

Jonie Weber on Dec 17, 2020

CandleDave was such a inspiration to me, I met him when I worked at subway, one day this man came in and he looked nice but was so grouchy, we got to the cash register and he told me, I'm sorry for my attitude, he then explained to me that he does that because he likes to give the new people a hard time so he could see if they have think skin and then he will know if they last, him and I talked for about 20 min that day, he told me about losing his wife and how much he missed her.. He came in to get a sandwich often and asked for me to make his sandwich, we became buds.. he would come in some days and say, in a grouchy voice, What does a man have to do to get good service around here and make the customers and other workers look at him and then him and I would laugh about it... I use to call him Grandpa Dave. I loved him, he was such a great guy.. Heaven truly has gained a great guy. Fly free Dave. Love ya

Sherry Rapay on Dec 17, 2020

Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Dave and his teasing. Rest In Peace my friend.

Randi Peters on Dec 17, 2020

CandleSo sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort at this sad time❤️

Randi Peters on Dec 17, 2020

So sorry for your loss❤️ Praying for comfort and peace at this sad time..

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Visitation

Dec
20
Sunday
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care
414 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM


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