William A. Kepner

William Alan Kepner, age 85, of York, entered into eternity on June 23, 2026.

Bill was born on November 12, 1940. He was the son of the late of Earl Kepner, Sr. and late Carrie Shindler-Kepner. He was also predeceased by a sister, Doris, a brother, Earl, Jr., a sister-in-law, Margaret Jo Ann Miller, and mother-in-law, Barbara Smith.

At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by love, especially the “love of his life,” wife of 51 years, Connie L. S. Kepner and very loving family.

His children include son Cobi and daughter-in-law Liz of York, and daughter Cari of West Columbia, SC. His grandchildren include Susanna and Wallace Lee of West Columbia, SC. He was also beloved by sister Wilma Jane Brennamen, sister in-law Beth E. Smith, brothers-in-law Chris Bacas and David Miller, nephew Alex Miller, niece Jessica Meisky, great-niece Madelyn Maenner, and great-nephew Ethan Maenner.

Bill was a 1958 graduate of Central York High School. After graduation he took several Adult Ed evening classes at William Penn Senior High School in York City, to satiate his thirst for knowledge. He always wanted to know how things worked.

Bill was a United States Air Force Veteran from 1960-1964 with Vietnam service 1962-63. He had five weeks Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, TX. He then had two weeks’ additional basic training, coupled with 11 months specialty technical training at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. His assigned specialty was the adjustment, maintenance, repair and replacement of the electronic navigation systems on the aircraft (Air Force specialty code 30151). Bill was proficient in his specialty and enjoyed working on the flight lines.

In his enlistment period Bill served at Lackland AFB, TX; Keesler AFB, MS; Andrews AFB, MD; Travis AFB, CA; Anderson AFB, Guam; Clark AFB, Philippines and Tan Son Nhut AFB, South Vietnam. He received all of his promotions from Airmen Basic, A3C, A2C and A1C with minimum time in each grade level. Bill was honorably discharged in 1964 with the rank of A1C.

After discharge, Bill was introduced to the love of his life, Connie Smith, and was her blessed husband and equally blessed father of Cobi and Cari until his passing.

Bill was employed by Rutter’s Dairy in York both before and after his military service and retired after 54 years of service, working under three different family generations of management.

His hobbies included biking and he fondly remembered his Schwinn Panther bicycle that he received for his 13th Birthday/Christmas present in 1953. He also enjoyed building model airplanes and attending model airplane meets and witnessing the results of his like-minded hobbyists.

Bill will be deeply missed by so many, but his kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York PA 17408 on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a reception at Calvary United Methodist Church, 11 N. Richland Avenue, York PA 17404.

Any free will offerings in his memory are greatly appreciated and may be sent to: York County SPCA, 3159 North Susquehanna Trail, York, PA 17406 or a favorite charity of your choice.