Douglas Joseph Kepka

EMPORIA

  Douglas Joseph Kepka, 78, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kansas. He was the son of Leo Joseph and Betty Jean (Andreasen) Kepka.

Doug graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1966 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1970. He married Honor Louise (Fiddler) Kepka on June 9, 1973. They celebrated 52 years of marriage together.

  Doug was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Ralph Kohls. He is survived by his wife, Honor; his daughter, Beth Anne Leyva and her husband Peter of Emporia, Kansas; his son, Thomas Kepka and his wife Jesse of Olathe, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Jacob Leyva, Mya Leyva, Isaiah Kepka, and Hudson Kepka; his brother, Terry Kepka and his wife Agnes; and his sisters, Linda Kohls and Cynthia Jackson and her husband, Kerry.

  Doug was a newspaper man for more than 40 years. Over the course of his career, he served as a publisher, reporter, printer, graphic designer, and advertising professional.

  While living in Chase, Kansas, Doug served one term as mayor. He remained active in local and state politics, supporting campaigns and civic efforts, often contributing his skills as a writer and communicator, and serving as treasurer for a statewide organization of county Democratic Party chairs.

  Doug enjoyed reading, creating art, sailing on Wilson and Kanopolis Lakes, and playing bridge and pinochle.

  Funeral mass: 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2026 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Ellsworth, KS with inurnment following in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor his memory by gathering with friends for a game of cards or making a donation to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.

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