Donald H. Kempton, 78 of Green Camp went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, February 3, 2013 at home following a courageous battle with cancer.
Don was born December 11, 1934 in Sunbury, Ohio to the late Herbert and Mildred (Henderson) Kempton. He married Norma Jean Cleland on May 28, 1955 and she survives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Eleanor Jeffers of Green Camp. In addition to his wife, Don is survived by children, Lori (David) Price of Green Camp, Judy (Jeff) Cobb of LaRue, Stephen (Karen) Kempton of Indianapolis, IN, James (Patty) Kempton of Caledonia, and Bradley (Vonda) Kempton of Green Camp; thirteen grandchildren; Tyler Price, Jessica Miller, Jonda Smith, Jeanette Cobb, Jodi Cobb, Jason Duncan, Sheila Duncan, Rachel Kempton, Travis Kempton, Ashley Frazier, Joshua Kempton, Cody Kempton, and Tasha Kempton; eleven great-grandchildren; and sister Kitty (Gene) Marsh.
Don graduated from Green Camp High School in 1953 and was retired from the Whirlpool Corp. He also worked at the Marion Country Club, was Mayor of Green Camp for 20 years, a member of the Green Camp Senior Citizens, and long-time member of the OHSAA. He was currently employed by the Marion Area Transit bus system in Marion and he loved his “bus people”.
He was a lifetime member of the Green Camp Baptist Church where he was worship leader and was known for his portrayals of Matilda the Gorilla and Scioto Joe.
Don’s faith and family came first and he enjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. His love of sports was evident in his officiating of baseball, basketball, and volleyball for over forty years in Central Ohio. He never met a stranger and people were his passion. His humbling personality and sense of humor touched everyone in his life.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, February 6, 2013 from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8 P.M. at the Green Camp Baptist Church with the Funeral Service on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. also at the Green Camp Baptist Church with the Rev. David Lippert and Pastor Bryan Wenig officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Camp Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Camp Baptist Church. On line condolences to the family can be made at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.
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