Clayton “Clay” Owen Kephart, 63, of Lebanon, Oregon passed away Friday, October 4, 2013. He was born in Trona, California to Jason Elliott and Evelyn Lorraine (Owens) Kephart.

He grew up in the the California deserts. As a young man, he worked on fishing boats during the summer. He later became a diving instructor which gave him great joy and a love for swimming.

Clay was a building designer and engineer. He was always working on woodcrafts and nicknacks, using his skills to make helpful household items. He enjoyed birds, bowhunting, and the outdoors.

Clay sang in a church choir for many years in Beaverton. He attended Plainview Mennonite Church and later Southside Church of Christ in Lebanon. He was a very loving and trusting man of everyone, it was said that he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He loved his grandchildren very much.

Clay is survived by: his son, Jason Kephart and wife, Nicole, of Hillsboro; daughter, Melissa Foss and husband, Joe, of Lebanon; and grandchildren,: Brandon, Hailey, and Wyatt.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.