John Keppler, 79, of Festus died July 15, 2017, at Festus Manor Care Center in Festus. Mr. Keppler was a retired overhead repairman for AmerenUE and a member of IBEW Local 1439. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of Sacred Heart Church in Crystal City, as well as a faithful blood donor. He also was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1230, Elks Lodge 1721 and the Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club. Born Oct. 31, 1937, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Marie (Mayer) and Joseph Keppler.
He is survived by his wife: Joan (Clarke) Keppler; a daughter: Constance Marie (Mel) Maupin of Festus; a son: Robert Joseph Keppler of Imperial; a brother-in-law: Leslie Batton of St. Louis; two grandchildren: Morgan Nichole Maupin and Joseph Robert Keppler-Alt; a great-grandson: Henry Michael Paul Kimbrell; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Luella Batton and Marie (the late Edward) Hinchy.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main, in Festus. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20, at Sacred Heart Church in Crystal City, officiated by Father Clark Maes. Burial is in the National Cemetery in Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.