Richard A. Kepner, 75, of Wheaton, Illinois went to his heavenly home on September 14, 2023. Born September 22, 1947, Richard grew up in Topeka, Kansas with his parents Jack W. and J. Pauline [Landry] Kepner and his two sisters. He attended The University of Kansas graduating with degrees in political science and ancient history. Richard married Christine Goring on June 26, 1977. They lived in Wheaton where Richard worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. He would later go on to have a very enjoyable post-retirement position as a substitute teacher at Glenn Westlake Middle School. His marriage blessed him with children and wonderful grandchildren who were the lights of his life and whom he loved dearly.

In his mid-twenties the Gospel message touched Richard’s heart in a life-changing watershed moment through the ministry of Mustard Seed Fellowship at the University of Kansas. Richard became active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where he met his wife. Upon moving to Wheaton in 1977, Richard and family were active in various congregations. His membership at Church of the Savior as well as his regular attendance at Faith Community Church were a source of great blessing to him and his family.

A source of great enjoyment for Richard and children included various trips to Spain and other parts of Europe as they accompanied Christine in her work as professor of Spanish and director of student travel groups to Spain at Wheaton College.

Richard was a wonderful storyteller and humorist. He could weave a compelling tale about any historic or current news topic as well as share reminiscences about his personal history. He was an avid reader who enjoyed reading mystery novels, history textbooks from any period, and police procedurals. Richard was a film buff with an encyclopedic knowledge of movies from the ‘30s and ‘40s. His faithful Friday night movie buddy for more than three decades was his dear friend Bob Feiler. Richard was a master champion of “name that tune” games of early rock and pop music all the way up through Taylor Swift, in spite of his early piano training in classical music. Landmarks in his life included attending many Beatles and Rolling Stone concerts over the years.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Christine; his children Colin (James Vanecko) and Valerie (Rhett) Austin; his grandchildren Charlie, Vivian, and Mary Hope Austin; his sisters Jacqueline (Charles) Oborny and Vera (Robert) Thompson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Richard was beloved by many and will be sincerely missed by those who knew him.