Vernon Reginald Kephart, Jr.

Vernon Reginald Kephart Jr. was born July 2nd 1932, the middle child of the late Vernon Reginald Kephart and Mabel Lawson Kephart of Redland, MD. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Margaret Ann Norwood Kephart, his son Kreg Stacey Kephart, wife Jill Wolk Kephart, and his daughter Karen Sue Kephart. He had 3 wonderful grandchildren, John E Fonda III, Kelsea M Kephart and husband Austin Scates, and Dalton W Kephart. He is also survived by a younger brother, George Kephart. He was preceded in death by his siblings Eleanor, Judith and John, as well as his son in law John E Fonda II. He had many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. In 1953, due to The Korean War he began his military career in the US Army, while working at Waters Motors. He served two years of active duty, during the Korean War and obtained the rank of Sergeant during that time. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1954, he would serve in the US Army Reserve until 1961 where he was reactivated for the Cuban Missile Crisis - from Sept 1961- Aug 1962. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he served in the 800th M.P Unit in Fort Chaffee Arkansas, at that time he was ranked Master Sgt. Following the Cuban Missile crisis, while still in the US Army Reserve he obtained the rank of 1st Sgt. While serving his country in the U.S Army Reserve, he continued working as a mechanic at Rockmont Chevrolet. In 1969, he became an auto mechanics teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools at Wheaton High School. In July of 1992 he ended a 39 year career with the U.S Army and Army Reserve with the rank of Command Sgt Major. He would continue teaching for MCPS at the Thomas Edison Center, and at Gaithersburg High School until his retirement in 1994. In addition, he was a volunteer firefighter for Gaithersburg Fire Department for many years, becoming a member of the Board of Directors and attaining the rank of Captain. He was an avid antique fire truck collector, having driven numerous fire trucks in parades around the Mid Atlantic Region, one of his all-time favorite trucks was Walkersville Fire Engine Ole 111. In retirement he spent his years taking his grandchildren, and their friends in the trucks to various parades, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 104, The Korean War Veterans Club, Post 142, and various other clubs and organizations. Due to his extensive military career, he will receive the highest honor of burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will hold a ceremony at Arlington, once a date has been determined it will be posted on the Barber Funeral Home page. Family and friends please check back for updates. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Fisher House Foundation can be made in his name. 

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