Eldon Dean Keplinger 86, of Grenola, Kansas passed away Sunday evening, December 6, 2015 at his home in Grenola, Kansas.

He was born August 11, 1929, near Grenola, the only child of Oscar Jackson Keplinger and Theresa Alice (Watkins) Keplinger. He grew up in rural Grenola, attending Hardpan School, and graduated from Grenola High School in the class of 1947. After school, he worked for a time on the Ferguson Ranch. He then worked as a fireman for the Union Pacific Railroad and was drafted during the Korean Conflict.

On September 7, 1952, Dean married Dorothy May Hawley in Cambridge, Kansas. They initially lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado while he was stationed with the United States Army at what was then Camp Carson. They lived for a short time in Laramie, Wyoming, where he resumed working for the railroad. Upon returning to Kansas, Dean began working on the MK&O Ranch before moving to the home place. He also worked as a welder for Smith-Moon and later pumped oil wells in the area. The couple made their home in the Grenola area for the past 60 years. Dean enjoyed working as a cowboy from his first job at the age of 13 until retiring from his ranch south of Grenola. He never met a stranger and loved to visit.

Dean accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1954 and faithfully served in the Grenola Christian Church. He was a member of the Eureka Camp of Gideons International.

He is survived by:
His wife: Dorothy of the home in Grenola;
His son: Curtis Keplinger and wife, Sharon of Grenola;
His daughters: Kay Kelly and husband, Lynn of Grenola; Rebecca Holt and husband, Keith of Wichita;
His grandchildren: Chris Kelly and wife, Heather; Daniel Kelly and wife, Rachel; Anne Ball and husband, Tyler; Wesley Keplinger; Tresse Keplinger; Conrad Holt; Carson Holt; and
His four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grenola Christian Church. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Grenola. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday evening from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Dean's name for Gideons International and for the Grenola Christian Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.