Fred Jepson

Fred Morris Jepson died on November 28, 2025, after living a long and fulfilled life. He was born on January 27, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas to parents Fred E. Jepson and Gladys Morrison Jepson.

Fred attended and graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1946. During his high school years he played drums, was the yearbook photographer, and worked on the family's farm with his brothers, Robert and Richard Jepson. After high school, Fred drove a school bus for Washburn Rural over 114 miles each day covering areas from 10th Street to Wakarusa. Back in those days he would drive a bus with chains to navigate the many dirt and rock roads in inclement weather. He was drafted into the service on September 11, 1950, where he served the United States Army as a driver and mechanic in the Korean War. While in the Army, he continued to use his skills as a photographer and took many photos while in Korea which were later shared with many at annual reunions that Shirley organized. After serving in the Army, he attended Trade School learning additional mechanical and electrical skills. During Trade School, he designed and built an Electric Welder which is still operational in his shop. Upon graduating, he was hired as a Customer Service Engineer for IBM in Topeka where he worked for 30 years. After retiring, he built a small shop in his backyard and serviced small engines and fixed or repaired any number of things for neighbors and friends. He was known by the neighbor kids as "Flashlight Fred" or "Fix-it Fred".

On August 31, 1956, he married Shirley Ann Sage of Dover, Kansas. Shirley passed in August of 2024, one day short of their 68th anniversary.

Fred was a father to son, Gary Jepson and daughter, Ronda Jepson Jeffries.

Fred was a member of the First Congregational Church in Topeka.

Fred and Shirley built a house on 21st Street in 1959 and lived there for their entire lives. For those of you who know the house, you will remember how the yard was always perfectly manicured. He and Shirley took great pride in keeping everything in the yard "just so"!

Fred was a friend to anyone he met. Frequently people would stop by at dinnertime to ask him for help with their cars or some small project. His willingness to help others at any time of day or night was legendary as were his skills to analyze and fix problem equipment. After building their house on 21st street, Fred realized that one acre was a lot to mow and built what is now known as a "Garden Tractor" with a 60-inch mowing deck. He also built many prototype pieces of equipment like a forced air boot dryer, automated pop and beer can crushing machine, a "Rotary Hoe". Fred also modified several vans to make them wheelchair accessible.

Fred was always grateful for all the blessings he received! Never one to complain about anything, he was well loved by all. The nursing home staff were always more than willing to help him as he was never down even when things didn't go his way.

Fred was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert "Bobo" and Richard "Dick".

Fred is survived by his son, Gary (Kari) Jepson of Topeka; daughter, Ronda (Bryan) Jeffries of Dublin, Ohio; grandchildren, Megan Dye (Paul) of Plain City, Ohio, Heath Jepson of Topeka, Samantha Jepson Marsh of Topeka, MacKenzie Gray, Westerville, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Rylee Price of Topeka, Ryan and Parker Dye of Ohio, and Jayden and Wyatt Marsh of Topeka.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Lexington Park and Ascend Hospice who were invaluable during this difficult time.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and a short service will follow at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. A brief committal service with military honors will be at 4 p.m. at Westlawn Memorial Gardens in Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 400 in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com