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Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart
Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart
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Jonathan R. Kephart Obituary
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Erin McAuliffe
May 25, 2025
I was an IMA on C Flt. 569th I remember.
Missy Grossman
May 30, 2021
This Memorial day I remember Jonathan. I just heard about him in church this morning, May 30, 2021. A guest speaker from Bible Tracts, Inc. preached at my church this morning and he passed out the booklet about Jonathan called 'Proven in Battle. I just read it. I am a saved believer, and I'm so happy to hear Jonathan is with our Savior. I look forward to seeing Jonathan in heaven so I can thank him for his service during his time on earth.
Sarah Kelsey
October 26, 2020
It’s 2020 and he’s still on my mind like it was yesterday. Keppy was my battle buddy. Not officially. But we were best friends in basic, we stayed in touch after. We looked after each other and my heart will always ache for him. He truly kept me going when the going got tough. I hope I did the same for him. I’ll always love him. I have several photos of he and I. I’d love to share.
Eric Hogan
May 27, 2019
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Charlie Gili
April 9, 2015
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Kephart Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Jonathan R. Kephart US Army Specialist. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
May 28, 2012
I will fly my flag today at half mast in memory of your ultimate sacrifice to your men and country,one of witch is my Son because of your sacrifice they live and I only hope and pray they will never forget you.
Buddy Richards
Westminster Ca.
Ryan
May 23, 2012
Almost memorial day. My thoughts go out to the family. An other close friends.
your friend always Ryan Drew
April 19, 2012
Kephart, may you always be remembered an never ever forgotten. Missed since 4-9-04
your friend always Ryan Drew
April 19, 2012
Kephart, may you always be rememberd an never ever forgotten. Missed since 4-9-04
Peggy Childers
April 9, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart:
Always remembering Jonathan. "Some gave all."
R. Drew
April 6, 2012
He will never be forgotten. I was at the 230th with him. My prayers an thoughts go out to his family an all his other friends. Sorry we all lost this brave good man.
Ryan
April 6, 2012
He will never be forgotten. I was at the 230th with him. My prayers an thoughts go out to his family an all his other friends. Sorry we all lost this brave good man.
Peggy Childers
April 17, 2011
April 9, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart:
Please accept my remembrance of Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
L Neal
March 20, 2011
To the family of Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Buddy Richards
April 10, 2010
Do not worry Jonathan will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! He lives on in our hearts and he still watches over and protects us from his place in Heaven
Peggy Childers
April 9, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart:
Remembering Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
October 27, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Melina M
September 24, 2009
To the Kephart family and those who he meant dear to:
Recently, I went on a trip to the new infrantry musuem in my city, and it was a great experience. I went into the gift shop and saw many KIA bracelets. I wished to purchase one to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in Iraq,to make sure that they are remembered and to remind myself that freedom has never been free.
I purchased Jonathan Kephart's bracelet and I looked up his story and it has touched me. I feel honored to wear it and know that even though he did not know me, he was over there to protect us and fight for what our country believes in.
He won't ever be forgotten.
Sarah Greenless
June 10, 2009
I met Jonathan while serving in the Army. We were not in the same unit, but were on the same base. He was and is a best friend of mine and i miss you dearly. I will always carry in my heart all the great memories we shared! Love you kid!
Jeff Hahne
May 25, 2009
I live near where Jonathan went to church, and every time I drive past it I remember his name and give thanks to him in heaven above for his incredible act of selflessness; he is just as much of a hero as if he were a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
Buddy Richards
April 10, 2009
It took me years but i fimally got the courage to read the book your proud Father wrote about your life "Proven In Battle". I now know alot more about you and your life you are a great Son,Brother,Freind to your family and our Lord. I have had people ask about you when they see the black Hero band. I would tell them of your bravery that day and how your life here on earth ended and ours changed. I now can tell them WHO you were and how much your family and freinds love you.
Peace be with your soul.
Peggy Childers
April 10, 2009
To the family of Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart:
Jonathan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
July 22, 2008
To the family and friends of Spc. Kephart,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave young men like Spc. Kephart.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Spc. Kephart to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].
April 9, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
Please contact me and I will email you
back a copy of the Angel drawing I have
posted here.
I did not know Jonathan, but he is my hero.
xo xo
Debra Estep - Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Michael and I
Buddy Richards
March 25, 2008
4 years have gone by and I still feel the pain and PRIDE in my heart every day when I wake up and see your name on the black band I proudly ware in your name and honor. My Son was there that day when you volunteered for your last mission here on earth. I was told you insisted on going because they were your guy's out there that needed help. I want all to remember your brave act of courage under fire in the face of death you stood tall and fearless to hold them off until reinforcements arrived you saved many of our Sons that day they live on in your name. Jonathan Roy Kephart you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN may God watch over you for eternity in heaven and your loved ones here on earth. I thank you for my Son's life.
March 24, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Kephart!
July 29, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)
July 9, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Kephart and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Army Wife
July 7, 2007
I would like to thank you, Jonathan. When you went to save those men ,in your company, that day from the ambush my husband was one of them. If it were not for you, he might not be here today. I hope to meet you one day and really thank you.
Dan McEnterfer
June 14, 2007
God Bless you KEP. For you have given your country the ultimate gift. Your life. I pray for you and your family that you will all understand that there are those that truly appreciate your service and sacrifice. I know that you have been rewarded greatly in your place with our heavenly father. We will someday join you in that wonderful place we call heaven, and then we can thank you face to face there.
Until then...
Mike Stewart
June 5, 2007
We just had the Bob Jones dramam team at our church. Thank-you for your life and that of your son in the service of our savior. It has renewed my resolve to pray daily for our president and all the servicemen and women that I know who are serving in the military. God bless you richly
Mike Stewart
Bert Holler
June 5, 2007
We are so sorry for your loss. Jonathan is a hero who will never be forgotten. He is to be honored for his heroic actions and his service to our country. We too have lost a soldier, Spec. Nicholas Brown was KIA in Mosul, Iraq on January 22, 2007. Tony Blair once said two people have died for you, Jesus Christ for your soul and the American G.I. for your freedom. Thank you,
Garnet Jenkins
April 8, 2007
A Multitude of Thanks, to Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart, who gave his life for our Country and for Freedom. Thank you for your Courage, and your unselfish Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Brave Young Soldier, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Kephart family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
Treasure this hero Lord, in Your Garden of Rest,
for while here on earth, he was one of our best.
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Mike Williams
December 12, 2006
The years go by but the pain remains...as I have moved to a new unit I continue to recieve e-mails of other 230th MP Co members giving their all...SPC KEPHART, SSG McCOY, SSG SHANK, SPC ROBERSON you are all missed...and our prayers go out to you and your families....SPC DOWNS, you are still praying for you too.....
Clint Side
December 8, 2006
It's been almost 2 1/2 years and the pain is still felt, and you are missed. may god hold you close so we may meet again. god bless
Shawna Foor
November 29, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Shawna Foor
November 29, 2006
I had the current Drama Team from Bob Jones University come to my school and do our chapel, their play/skit that they presented was about Jonathan Kephart; I loved it. The story really touched my heart. I had never heard of him until today... I will always remember and look at his life as a role model from now on. From just the little that I got the chance to hear about him today I truley admire him! It's hard walking with the Lord sometimes with everything that is going on around us but seeing the things that Jonathan went through and endured I'm going to live life to the fullest and closest to God that I possible could. I want to thank his parents for letting his story be heard and everything they do. I'm sorry for your loss but I rejioce knowing that one day we will all see him once agian in Heaven and I believe that I can say I look forward to meeting him when I get that glorious chance to...
Much Love and God Bless,
Shawna
Buddy Richards
August 8, 2006
Jonathan was a friend of my son Michael they served together in Baghdad. Michael gave me a black band with Jonathan's name and place,date of his sacrifice to ware on my wrist and i proudly do and have never and will never take it off. My love respect and condolences to Jonathan's family he will not be forgotten.
April 8, 2006
To the Family of Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost our son 12/1/05.
I came across your last name from a signing you put on another person's guestbook and saw that your son died after being deployed only 10 days. I cannot imagine and it led me to sign your son's book.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort. When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam and Bill Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
Kim JONES
April 3, 2006
I had the opportunity to interview SPC KEPHART as a witness regarding an investigation our office was conducting, several weeks prior to his unit's departure to Iraq. I remember silently praying for him and his entire unit. When I learned of his passing, my heart was heavy and there were tears in my eyes. A co-worker had emailed me the Stars and Stripes story regarding SPC KEPHART and the events leading up to his death, and then I really did cry. I cried because after reading that story I learned what he had done to protect his fellow soldiers and Americans everywhere. Our country, his family, and his unit should be very proud to have known him. He was an outstanding human being, and an excellent soldier, by all accounts. I know he is resting peacefully in the arms of God.
Roxie Kephart Foster
December 29, 2005
My heart goes to you and your family for the lost of your son. I was looking through the list of names of those lost and Jonathan's name hit me. My maiden name is Kephart. I don't know if we are related but I feel like we lost someone special from our family even though we never knew him. My Dad's nickname is Kep also, maybe that is way I felt the connection. My prays are with you and your family. God Bless Jonathan.
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
December 3, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to the Kephart family in the loss of your dear son/brother and hero Jonathan. I did not know your son, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
I send each of you a hug from my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Jamie Graves
October 4, 2005
Land of the free~Because of the brave~God Bless (Jamie,Navy wife)Warren,PA..
Donna Kephart
August 23, 2005
Thanks to all of you that have written. We miss Jonathan greatly, but are very proud of the sacrifice he made. We love hearing from his friends! I will be adding photo's to his gallery soon. Donna Kephart (Kep's mom)
Neena Hallock
July 9, 2005
I am the mother of a Marine who has fought in Iraq. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family for the sacrifice's you have made. Through brave soilders like your son there have been many others who have been returned home unharmed. God Bless You & Your Family.
Wade Rogers
July 6, 2005
I didn't know Jon but I have come to know his family through my pastor, Jon's basketball coach. Jon is a local hero here as he should be. His family are wonderful people and great patriots as was Jon. God bless them, all those lost in battle, their families and all our men and women serving in uniform.
Anna Rose
June 12, 2005
Yes we miss "KEP" as he was affectionately called by his army buddies, but we are so proud of how he gave his life for his country, an we know we will see him again someday. God Bless those who serve and sacrifice for their country, you will always have my love and respect. May God Bless America!
Anna Rose (KEPS sister)
scott smith
May 30, 2005
kep will all way be loved and missed,not as a friend but as a bother in arms.He gave his life for life for others know that others are3 willing to do the same and i see no other greater honor then having the respect of otheres that love and care for u in that way
Jeremy Porter
May 27, 2005
Jon is missed terribly by those of us that knew him here in the 230th, and we all look forward to the day that we will get to see him again.
Venessa Edwards
March 25, 2005
First, I'd like to say I'm saddened by the loss of a kind-hearted person. I too was stationed at the 230th MP company in K-Town, Germany as a Medic. I had PCS'ed to the states and was in school when I heard of his death. I pray that the Lord continues to heal the family and continues to give you all strength. Yes, he was quiet but now he is laid to rest and singing praises with the angels. God bless, SGT Venessa M. Edwards (Lee)
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