Dale Clark Kephart died at his home on Christmas Eve. He is loved. He is missed.

Dale was born on September 14, 1949 in Bethlehem. Growing up on Garrison Street, he lived a life of constant activity and freedom. Dale was never bored; there was always a plan for fun and adventure at the ready. This seemingly idyllic childhood was also a painful one. Dale’s beloved Aunt Goldie Keeler was a trusted source of love and comfort during those times. Dale visited Goldie at least once a week until her death in 2007. As a boy, Dale enjoyed fishing with his father in the Monocacy Creek.
After graduating from Liberty High in 1967, Dale enlisted in the US Navy. Dale turned 20 in Viet Nam while stationed at the US Naval Air Base in Cam Ranh Bay. Dale and his squadron flew secret missions in street clothes carrying no identification. He received an honorable discharge in 1971.
In 1973, and following in his father’s footsteps, Dale went to work at Bethlehem Steel and then the Coke Works. Ultimately, as a trouble shooter, Dale’s intelligence with all things electric and electronic and gift of “fixing anything” helped to keep the steel plant in productive service. Later, Dale was selected by both Management and the United Steelworkers to become an Employee Assistance Coordinator (EAP). In that role, Dale’s natural ability coupled with learned skills provided support and counseling help to employees with family, work, substance abuse, or other problems, to find “solutions” and return to a more normal and productive life.
Dale’s exciting years flying in the Navy established a life-long love of aviation that included hang gliding and ultralight flying. In 1982, Dale was recognized as an ultralight aviation pioneer and Official Charter Member of the APOA Ultralight Division. Dale loved the adrenaline rush that came with flying, riding motorcycles, and driving his Shelby Cobra. That love was born the first time the Navy made him jump out of a plane.

Survivors: Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Doris Kephart, cousin, Gene Coken and his always-loved son, Justin Kephart. Surviving relatives include Bruce and Nancy Keeler, Barbara and Gene Gallagher and Chuck Coken. Surviving friends include Rudy and Esther Gyory, Ron Kunkle, Seth Whaland, Jay Correll, the Montes family, Barbara (Gina) Kephart and Bumpie.

There will be no more pain, Kepie. Rest in peace. We will never forget you.

Services: Services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to James Funeral Home, Bethlehem.