Funeral Services for Everett Ray Kephart, 73, who passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in Des Moines, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, at the First Assembly of God Church in Indianola. Burial will follow service in the New Virginia Cemetery, New Virginia. Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 23, at the First Assembly of God Church where family will be present to greet friends.

Everett Ray Kephart was born on April 1, 1951 in Winterset, Iowa. He attended Winterset Community School and graduated from Winterset High School in 1969. It was in high school where Everett met the love of his life of 53 years, Elaine Kay Stanley. It was only a few years later, in 1971, that they got married at First Assembly of God Church in Indianola, Iowa. After high school Everett attended Simpson College and graduated in 1973 with a degree in Biology and Physical Education. Everett started his career in education at Interstate 35 Community Schools where he taught health, earth, and life sciences, as well as physical education for over 30 years. While teaching, Everett coached football, track, and basketball, both girls and boys, leaving a positive impact on generations of students.

Everett and Elaine relocated from Indianola to New Virginia, Iowa in 1973. Shortly after, Everett started Kephart Carpentry and for the next 52 years he became an integral part of New Virginia by investing his time and resources to help build the community. Everett was an avid member of the New Virginia Lions Club and Old Settlers. He built and restored homes and businesses over the years. Through his summer construction projects, with current and former students, he not only mentored and taught them life skills and lesson, but also provided and retold stories that will be treasured through time. Everett was a man of faith and an active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Indianola. Putting God and family first, he served as board member, deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and men's group leader.

Everett is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Heather Richardson, Luke Kephart, Brad (Molly) Kephart; grandchildren, Jaden (Claire) Kephart, Holden Kephart, Jalen Richardson, Lincoln Kephart, Alder Kephart, Evren Kephart, Harper Kephart, Hayes Kephart; siblings, Ernest Kephart, Jerry (Sharon) Kephart, Dale (Connie) Kephart, Doris (Jeff) Dolton, Dorothy (Bill) McDonald; sister-in-law, Debra Kephart; and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anderson, and Mary Kephart; brothers, Wayne Kephart and Harold Kephart; sisters-in-law, Carol Kephart and Joan Kephart.

Memorials may be given to the family in his name for a scholarship fund at a later date.