In Iraq only 10 days, Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart of Oil City died doing what he wanted to do -- serving his country. "Jonathan believed in what he was doing, and I'm very proud as a father to be chosen to have a son that would sacrifice his life for his country," Burton Kephart said in a telephone interview Sunday from Oil City. "We are there because of 9/11, and must not forget 9/11." Kephart, 21, was assigned to the Army's 230th Military Police Company from Kaiserslautern, Germany. His patrol was escorting a convoy that came under attack Thursday. He died the next day. "I was told there was an explosive device and he took it to the face, and, of course, died from his wounds," said Burton Kephart, a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War. "We're a Christian family, and we could not do this without God," he said. "My son was Christian, and he is in heaven." Kephart was born in Valparaiso, Ind. His family moved to Pine Bluff, Ark., before they settled in Oil City, Venango County, eight years ago. Burton Kephart described his son as a quiet young man who enjoyed computer games and practical jokes. He liked setting off firecrackers around his relatives. He attended Faith Christian Academy in the Venango County community of Seneca, where he sang in the choir. "He wasn't a great singer, but when they all sang together, they didn't sound too bad," his father said. Jonathan Kephart also played point guard on the basketball team. "He was short in stature but a good ballplayer, lots of hustle and a very good three-point shooter," recalled Larry Williams, principal of the school. Williams also serves as pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Seneca, where Kephart was active. "We bring in a lot of rough kids to the church, and he helped supervise them," Williams said. After graduating from high school four years ago, Kephart painted houses during the summer and spent a year at Faith Baptist School of Theology in Seneca. In January 2001, he enlisted in the Army. "He wanted to gain some maturity and grow up," his father said. Kephart tried to call his family two days before he died. He left a message saying that he was fine, but very busy, and would call when he could, his father said. "He's going to be greatly missed by everybody," Burton Kephart said. In addition to his father, Jonathan Kephart is survived by his mother, Donna; two sisters, Anna Rose of Burns Harbor, Ind., and Deborah, of Oil City; and a brother, David, also of Oil City. His body is in Dover, Del., but the family is not sure when it will arrive here. Morrison Funeral Home in Oil City is handling the arrangements. Williams announced Kephart's death during yesterday's services. The congregation prayed for his family. "It didn't seem like Easter, but I guess that's why the resurrection is so important," Williams said.

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