3/12/46 - 3/22/02
~ 
~ 
~
~
Bobby Keplinger died on March 22, 2002. He had surgery for a hernia repair and apparently had trouble coming out of the anesthesia and arrested. They were able to bring him back but he was brain dead life support was disconnected.
Bob's sister, Judy ('61) left 3/24/02 a.m. for Atlanta where they are having a service 3/25/02. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Bob was quite a hero in Viet Nam; a Green Beret who was decorated by our government with the Purple Heart and the Silver Star, and by the Vietnamese Government with the Cross of Gallantry, all as the result of his service in Viet Nam. He was shot on a hot LZ (landing zone) during an attempted helicopter exfiltration, was forced to remain overnight while surrounded by the enemy and, after he was recovered, ultimately lost a kidney as a result of wounds.
From the 3/26/02 Tri City Herald
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/obits/2002/0326.html
Robert B. Keplinger
ATLANTA -- Robert B. Keplinger, 56, died Friday at the VA Hospital in Atlanta. He was born in Steamboat Springs, CO, and lived in the Tri-Cities from 1951 to 1966. He was a commercial Realtor. South Care Memorial Chapel, Smyrna, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
********************************************
********************************************
We don't know if there will be a Richland service. If there is a service in Richland, the information will be posted here.
********************************************
********************************************
Story from Jamie Worley ('64)
I wanted to write a little story about Bob Keplinger. It is so Bob.
In about 1954-55 my little brother Larry ('69) came into our house crying. He told my mother that Bobby Keplinger had kicked him. Well, my Mom could not let her perfect little son be kicked so out the door she went looking for Bobby. She found Bob playing in the field across the street from our house. She asked Bobby if he had kicked Larry. Bobby replied, "Yes, I did Mrs. Worley. Larry threw a rock and hit me so I kicked him right in the ass." My mother was so shocked at Bob's honesty, his forthright answer and his language that all she could say was "Well, thank you very much, Bobby."
We've laughed about that incident for years.
Bob, I will miss you so.
********************************************
********************************************
********************************************
********************************************
From: Judy Keplinger ('61)
Date: 5/8/02
Re: Arlington Services for Bob
Bob will be interned with full military honors at Arlington Cemetery on June 10, 2002 at 11am EDT.
Anyone in the area wishing to attend is welcome to join us. We will meet in the chapel for a service then follow the cason about a mile to the columbarium.
Leigh Wilson will make a video of the entire event and a copy will be sent to Dad. After the funeral, we are meeting for lunch at the Sheraton Hotel and would love to have you join us.
Judy Keplinger (61) - Richland, WA
********************************************
********************************************
