Donald Gordon Kempfer

Donald Kempfer passed away on December 25, 2023. He was born on May 9, 1932 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the son of James and Elisabeth (Gill) Kempfer. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Phyllis (Kempfer) Crews (John). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Thelma (Carlson) Kempfer; daughter, Lisa and son, Jeffrey (Wendy). Grandchildren, Katherine Baker (Tyler), Sarah Ellsworth (Michael) and Matthew Kempfer. Great-grandchildren, Graham, Emmett and Madelyn Baker. Nephews, David Crews (Tawanya), James Crews (Sue), John Crews (deceased), and Phillip Crews (deceased). Also many cousins.

Don was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. While at Penn State, he completed a four-year Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After his service, Don worked in the oil refinery business for Standard Oil of Ohio. He worked on control instrumentation engineering and computer projects. After British Petroleum bought Sohio, Don's travel in the states and in many overseas locations increased.

Don enjoyed sports. He played tennis, skied and golfed. He also followed professional baseball, football and tennis. But his main interest was always his family and extended family. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He was always the first to help others when the occasion arose. He did his best for all of us. Don was a very patient person, a good listener and friend. He always followed through with his promises. He was truly a man whose impact will be forever felt by his family, who loved him dearly.

Friends will be received at the Brecksville United Methodist Church, 65 Public Square, Brecksville, OH 44141 on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 10-11 am where Don's funeral service will begin at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don's name are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org or to Wounded Warrior Project,  P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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