Donald Kerperin (Veteran)

Donald Edwin Kerperin, 67, of Taos, Mo., died Monday, August 22, 2011, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born on December 29, 1943, at the family home in Taos, the son of the late Clem J. and Hilda Sophie Eggemann Kerperin. He was a 1962 graduate of Fatima High School and a graduate of Linn State Technical College, where he received an Associate degree in drafting. He was married on September 2, 1967, in Jefferson City, to Loretta Jean Hentges, who survives at the home. Mr. Kerperin was employed as a tool designer with the A.B. Chance Co., and later with Westinghouse/A.B.B. for 31 years. He was also employed as a bidder with Verslues Construction Co. and was a long-time farmer in the Taos area. He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam Era. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church; charter member and financial secretary of Knights of Columbus Council No. 6430; fireman and treasurer of the Taos Volunteer Fire Department; served on the Blair Oaks School Board from 1974 to 1980; and was a member of the American Legion. The unofficial Taos historian, Mr. Kerperin greatly enjoyed farming, woodworking, and collecting caps and toy tractors, but his greatest love was for his "bride" of 44 years, children, and grandchildren. Other survivors include four children, Carla (Danny) Massman, New Bloomfield, Mo., Paul (Shauna) Kerperin, Taos, Anita (Craig) Branum, Taos, and Daniel (Andrea) Kerperin, Taos; 11 grandchildren, Ethan Massman, Emily Massman, Eve Massman, Eric Massman, Kallie Kerperin, Kasey Kerperin, Brady Kerperin, Collin Branum, Benjamin Branum, Addison Branum, and Norah Kerperin; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Hentges, Jefferson City; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Carol Kerperin, Taos. He was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Billy and Richard Kerperin; and his father-in-law, Robert Hentges. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 26, 2011, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Taos, with the Rev. Ignazio C. Medina officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Taos. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Thursday, August 25, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, 7307 Route M, Jefferson City, MO 65101-9507. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com