Donald Paul Jepson

1946 - 2025

Donald Paul Jepson

April 5, 1946 - February 23, 2025

Modesto, California - Donald Paul Jepson was born April 5, 1946, in West Plains, Missouri. He grew up with a fishing pole in his hands, following his dad and three brothers through the foothills of Northern California while enjoying campouts, hunting, and fishing. His parents, Mary and Frank Jepson were hard-working members of the Greatest Generation. Neither graduated from high school, but they raised four boys who all graduated from college and went on to excel in work and play. Don's dad taught him about construction and carpentry as he worked alongside him at ACME Construction. Don's education and experience served him well as he became the "Fix It Man" for the whole family.

Don attended Tuolumne Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High and Downey High School in Modesto. Don earned a B.A. and M.A, in Chemistry from Stanislaus State and a PhD in Chemistry from University of the Pacific. In the 1970's, he worked as a microbiologist in the lab at Campbell Soup in Modesto. Later he went on to work in Quality Control for Tri Valley Growers. He began his career as a QC Supervisor at Plant 7, working the night shift and coming home smelling like tomatoes. Don eventually worked his way up to Director of Engineering for Seneca Foods. In addition, he taught the Howard Mold Count Method at MJC throughout his career and into retirement. Don always kept up on technology and never needed his grandkids to teach him how to use his iPhone. After he retired, Don applied his food processing knowledge by participating in church chili cook offs, barbecuing, and making delicious homemade salsa from his garden.

Don had many interests and hobbies, but his first priorities were God and family. Don and his wife Kathlyn Taylor Jepson were happily married for 53 years until her death in 2022. Together they raised two daughters, Janelle Peoples and Kristi Warren. His life was full of love, faith, and service to others. Don was a member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church of Modesto for most of his adult life. He enjoyed leading the Baskets of Hope food distribution. He loved working with the youth group in his younger days and later helping with Wednesday night dinners. He continued the Taylor family tradition of supporting the Salvation Army. He is survived by his daughters Janelle (Jim) and Kristi (Rob), two grandchildren, Natalie and Ryan Peoples, and his brothers Dean and John Jepson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Rd, Modesto, CA 95350. A reception will follow.