Dennis Clark Kephart, 69, of Holland Township, NJ, formerly of Tewksbury Township, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at Hunterdon Medical Center surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Born January 28, 1940 in Frenchtown, NJ to Austin and Ruth Kephart. Dennis grew up on a farm with six brothers. He worked from an early age in the coal mines of Pennsylvania supporting his family and then as a pipe fitter and x-ray technician. Dennis was self-employed as a pipeline welder for 37 years traveling for thousands of miles throughout the tri-state area in order to work on various contracts. He enjoyed working with metal and designed signs, mailboxes and Christmas tree stands out of steel.

Dennis met his wife, Lynn, square dancing near Buffalo, NY and the two recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Dennis and Lynn lived in Howell Township, NJ for 8 years, prior to moving to Tewksbury Township where in addition to welding, Dennis ran a Christmas tree farm for 33 years. They grew organic vegetables in an acre-size garden and raised two children. They moved to Holland Township, NJ in 2006 where Dennis focused on driving his classic red 1961 Ford Galaxie convertible, restoring antique tractors, and most importantly enjoying time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed volunteering through the World Series of Birding and bike riding in 100 mile bike-a-thons. He loved black jelly beans, homemade hand cranked ice cream and fresh vegetables from his garden.

Dennis was a Master Mason and member of the Wall/Springlake Masonic Lodge. He was one of the founding coaches of the Tewksbury Recreational Soccer League and also a baseball coach. He was a member of the YMCA Indian Princesses and Indian Guides (Lobo Wolf). He was a past member and former president of the South Branch Watershed Association. Dennis was a member of the Tewksbury Environmental Commission and a member of the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association. He was an attendee of the Manasquan Friends Meeting and the Quakertown Friends Meeting.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Lynn, his daughter Shelley Zimmer, her husband Chris and their daughter Marlee of Boise, Idaho, his son Brent, his wife Tracy and their sons Liam and Brock of Holland Township, NJ, brothers Roy and wife Alice of Chalma, TX, Merlin and wife Jodi of Conewango Valley, NY and Gary of Pike, NY in addition to many cousins, nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents, an infant daughter, Brooke Angeline, and three brothers Lorraine, Lee and Roger.

The family expresses gratitude for the warm and attentive care that Dennis received at Hunterdon Medical Center from the doctors, hospice and nursing staff.

A Masonic Service will be held on Saturday August 29, 2009 at 10:30 AM followed by a Memorial Meeting for Worship at the Manasquan Friends Meeting House, 2257 Meetinghouse Road, Manasquan, NJ. Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ 08848.

Contributions may be made to the Manasquan Friends Meeting.