You would be amazed at out daughter as I am. She is the living example of her Dad. Her faith and study of the scriptures is unwavering. She is confident and sure but loves deeply and holds dearly those people that she loves.
In her living, your spirit will never die. I pray she passes to her children the wisdom she has gained from you and your convictions will continue to be present on this earth.

  

What if we had never met Gary Kepley?

Our lives were forever changed when we met Gary Kepley.  A loving brother of Christ....  What if we had not met him?  I know for a fact we probably would not have gotten married..  You see....  Gary and Gail were both such a possitive influence on our lives..  Sidney and I had been dateing and living together for several years..  Both of us thought we were content, and living the life.. 

Gary, Gail and Katie had horses with us, and we had become very close friends.   We had been showing horses all around the country. It was such fun to have them with us.  As Sidney and I left a show in OH, we are headed back home, horses on board; Sidney looks at me and says... "Gary talked to me this weekend, and he thinks its time for us to get married".... Gary says "You are perfect for each other". 

Well, what a surprise as Gail had just had the same conversation with me...  Neither Gary or Gail knew about each others talks..  God is GOOD!!   Later that week as Sidney and I debated on the "big question"..  Do we... or don't we.... get married....  We both decided that "yes" this is probably the time..  Only with the nudge from Gary and Gail.  What a blessing they have been in our lives. 

Gary was also our reminder of God.  Both of us being raised in church, had drifted away from what life is really about.  GOD>> A few years later, Gary gave Sidney a gospel CD from the LeBeaus.  He asked us to listen to it, and ask Sidney if he could learn the song "Hanging on a Nail".  (Sid is not only a horse trainer, but a beautiful singer and guitar picker).  Gary loved to hear him sing.. 

Sidney didn't get the chance to sing that song to Gary before he passed.  But now he sing's in several churches.  You see, Sidney and I both have re-dedicated our lives to Christ. Sidney now shares his musical gift with so many people.  And each time he sings that song, he will always say..  "Thank you Gary Kepley, my brother in Christ, this is for you.  I'm sorry I didn't get to sing this for you while you were still here on earth, but I know you can hear me now, See you soon ol' partner. "  

So...  What if we had not met Gary Kepley? Neither or us would want to even think of it... Gary was and still is a part of our daily lives.  Not a day goes by when either of us would think..... "What would Gary do? "..

We love and miss you Gary!!

Much love: Sidney & Karen

The words Gary often said and sang to me was "You are the wind beneath my wings" . The real truth is that he was the Eagle. His strength and wisdom took him to great heights and allowed him to soar in many, many ways. He was a man of respect, trust, determination, compassion and integrity.

I think of the long line of family, friends, community leaders, co-workers, business owners, neighbors...of all color, ages, and backgrounds....that waited so long to pay tribute at his funeral. So many told me a different story of this special man that came into their life and left them a different, better person.

On this day, his birthday, I celebrate his life with love and wonderful memories.

  I guess it was about 2005 or so, and it was Father's day. Heather had gone out and picked up the cards for our dads. When I went to write in Gary's card, I noticed it was not a card for a step-dad. It was a card for Dad. For a brief moment, I thought "i'm not sure if i should go exchange it or not". But I quickly realized that this was not a mistake. These were my true feelings about him. He never hesitated to tell people I was his son, so why should I even worry about it.

  Later, I gave him that card and he sat quietly in his recliner and read it to himself. Then he just sat and stared at it for a minute or two and started to cry. He stood up and gave me one of those big tight hugs and just said "thank you son". I told him then that I didn't have a step-dad. I was just lucky enough to have 2 dads.

  From then on, he was my dad. That is when we really began to become close in our relationship. Looking back, that is a moment I will always cherish. One of many wonderful memories I will forever keep with me.