Evelyn Kepner

Evelyn Kepner, 88, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital following a brief illness.

She was born March 10, 1921, to Buck and Jesse Brooks Gillispie, longtime residents of Charleston, Mo. She and Robert F. Kepner were married Feb. 22, 1941, in Charleston. He preceded her in death Oct. 31, 1989, in Cape Girardeau.

Kepner lived most of her adult life in Cairo and retired from Burkart Manufacturing Co. She and her husband moved to Cape Girardeau in 1984.

Survivors include a son, Robert Michael (Daryl Lynn) Kepner of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Lee Heinrich of Belton, Mo.; several nieces and nephews; and a lifelong friend, Dolores Flanary of Cairo.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Phillip; her parents; three brothers, Dan, Frank and Lloyd Gillispie; and two sisters, Mary Warren and Earlene Resler.

Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Mound City National Cemetery, with the Rev. Raymond McAfee officiating.

Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kitty City, c/o Cairo Baptist Church, Cairo, IL 62914, or SIPS (Southern Illinois Pet Society) c/o Susan Riston, 742 35th St., Cairo.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.