Paul Edwin "Kep" Kepler

1932 - 2023

Paul Edwin "Kep" Kepler, age 91 1/2, of St. Michaels, MD formerly of Ellicott City, MD died suddenly, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 in Leesburg, Florida, his second home, after a brief illness. He was born on June 5, 1932 in Middletown, MD to the late Earl and Amy (Gladhill) Kepler, the youngest of 5 children. He loved growing up in Middletown and riding the streets on his 1946 Harley Davidson Knucklehead.

He was a graduate of the University of Maryland and a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He was a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force, flying the F-86 Sabre Jet. He loved flying and flew, even after retirement, any chance he could.

During his military service, he met and married his wife Ann (Runkles) Kepler. They were married for 48 years, until her death in 2006. They made their home in Frederick, Laurel and Ellicott City, MD. Kep and Annie built their dream summer/retirement home, in St. Michaels, MD next to his sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Taylor Watson. Upon retirement in 2004, they visited Florida and fell in love and purchased their winter home.

He was the Deputy Director of Transportation for the USDA until his retirement when golfing and traveling took over.

He was the Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #2323 in Catonsville, MD as well as

being a member of Toastmasters and NARFE.

His greatest loves were his family, traveling, golfing and being in Florida to escape the cold with his best friend and companion of 11 years, Mary White.

During his life he visited almost every state in the United States, except Alaska, whether stationed there, traveling for work or just for fun.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Ann (Runkles) Kepler in 2006 and his son, Michael Kepler in 2005.

Paul was the loving and devoted father of Judith Ferrell and her husband, Chuck of Arnold, MD, and Sandra Kepler and her husband, David Elburn of St. Michaels/ Sudlersville, MD, father-in-law to MaryBeth Kepler and her husband, Joe Poindexter of Westminster, MD, proud grandfather to Chase Ferrell (Jenn), Ryan Ferrell (Sami), Hunter VanReenan, Emily Kepler (Tom), Mitchell Kepler, and Hannah Kepler, great-grandfather of Charlie and Emma Ferrell, companion of Mary White, Uncle of Kathy and Loretta Thornhill of Funkstown, MD and Lynn and Susan Tobin.

Graveside Services will be private at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Middletown, MD. Online Condolences may be made at www.dbthompsonfuneralhome.com.