Kerry (Kayo) Russell Kephart, 85, of Holden, Missouri, died Aug. 9, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life service was held 3-5 p.m. Saturday Aug. 18, at the First Baptist Church, 601 South Market Street, Holden.

Kayo was born June 25, 1933, to Kenneth Russell Kephart and Lucy B. (Slack) Kephart in Elm, Missouri. Kayo graduated from Holden High School in 1951 as valedictorian of the class.

Kayo attended University of Missouri and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and Army ROTC and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. In April 1955, he married Carolyn Sue Barnhart and in Sept. 1955, Kayo served in the United States 5th Army Anti-Aircraft Division of the U.S.

Army until his discharge as a First Lieutenant in 1957. Kayo then returned to Mizzou where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Kayo worked in the Holden R-3 School District for 28 years from 1959 to 1987, and served as the Vocational Agriculture teacher and FFA Sponsor.

Kayo was a member of the First Baptist Church, Holden Jaycee’s, National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the Holden Gun Club.

Kayo is survived by his wife, Carolyn of the home; three sons, Kenneth Edgar Kephart and wife Terrie, Holden; James Russell (Rusty) Kephart and wife Kathleen, Holden;, David Michael Kephart and wife Beverly, Holden; one brother, Jerry D. Kephart and wife Wanda, Liberty, Missouri; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Holden FFA Alumni or Holden First Baptist Church Stain Glass window fund in memory of Kerry Kayo Kephart.

Arrangements entrusted to Ben Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home.