John E. Kemper

John E. Kemper, 89, of Columbus, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at Heartland of Marysville, Marysville, Ohio. He was born September 14, 1919 in Gallipolis, son of the late George Sr. and Ethel Josephine Haner Kemper. John was married to Betty Lou Smith Kemper and she preceded him in death on May 1, 1984. He was a GAHS graduate and a World War II Army veteran. In World War II, he served under General Patton for three invasions in Africa, Anzio and Sicily. John retired from the Hall of Fame Home Builders. Surviving are a son, Chris Kemper of London, two daughters, Glenda Howard Wilkinson of Marysville and Kathi Rice of Columbus; three stepsons, Ronnie Hughes, Danny Hughes, and Jeff Hughes all of Columbus; many grandchildren; many great grandchildren; many great great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Jo Sonny Chandler of Gallipolis; two brothers, George Kemper Jr. and Gordon Betty Kemper, both of Gallipolis; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, Betty Lou Kemper, he was preceded in death by four brothers, William Raymond Kemper, Charles Mills Kemper, Thomas Kemper and Kyle Kemper. Services will be 6 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Willis Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. prior to the service. Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US Cemetery: 2009-05-16 Ohio Valley Memory Gardens Gallipolis OH US Visitation: 2009-05-16 16:00:00-18:00:00 Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US Service: 2009-05-16 18:00:00 Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US