Rev. David H. Kepple

Rev. David H. Kepple, 92, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 11:15 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 in his home.  David was born on June 4, 1932 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Harry J. and Helen (Callard) Kepple. David was a Missionary Pilot through Air Evangelism International for 22 years.  He then worked for Cresent Helicopters for 6 years where he flew hearts for transplants for Lyola Hospital and also CBS Network for Marathon Race Coverage.  He then worked for 22 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as a Helicopter Specialist and Accident Investigator. He had currently been a volunteer for the Emergency Management as County Chief Radio Officer.  On December 25, 1954 he married Adrienne Hoge, who preceded him in death on August 30, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Becki and Wade Harmon.  David is survived by his current wife, Elizabeth (Piwowarski) Kepple; three children, David D. (Tammy) Kepple of Griffith, Indiana, Ruth (Dr. Jeffrey) Roberts of West DeMoines, Iowa and Dan C. (Sarah) Kepple of Houston, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Nancy Beman of Catonsville, Maryland.  Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025 in the Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Street in South Bend.  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.   A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Friday in the church.   David served in the United States Army.  He was a member of the Community Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon.  David had a passion for the Autoharp instrument and loved to teach anyone who showed an interest. He flew solo across the North Atlantic to Africa and had the first helicopter in Africa for famine relief, even before the military.  He was very proud of his family and dearly loved spending time with them, especially their annual family reunions on the lake in Arkansas.  David holds two aviation awards: The Charles Taylor’s Mechanic’s Award and the Wright Brothers Flying Award, which he was awarded by the FAA for 50 years of aviation service.  In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions should be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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