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June 28, 1934 — Jan. 24, 2021

Roger Kenneth Kempton, 86, of Niles, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021.

Roger was born on June 28, 1934, to the late Kenneth “Ted” and Opal (Case) Kempton, on the family farm in Keeler, Michigan. After graduating from Cassopolis High School in 1953, Roger went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. Roger was a proud veteran. On April 26, 1980, Roger wed Mary Ellen and together they raised their six children.

Roger retired from National Standard and Buchanan Feed Mill. He had also been a long time livestock hauler. Roger wasn’t one to sit idle though. When he wasn’t working Roger could be found at one of the monthly get-togethers for the class of 1953, a Cass County 4H Leader with Draft Horses, Chairman of the Board of Review, and member of the Planning Commission for Milton Township. Roger and Mary Ellen were also longtime members of the First Church of Christ Christian in Niles where he served as a Deacon and Trustee for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Opal Kempton; brothers, Glenn and Alton Kempton; sisters, Vera Hall, Lucile Hoffman, and Patsy Lilley; granddaughter, Adele Schlamersdorf; and stepson, John Gouldman.

Roger is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Mary Ellen Kempton; children, Micky Kempton of Granger, Candy (David) Schlamersdorf of Lebanon, Ohio, Stacey Kempton of Niles, Edy (Derrell) Chappell of Buchanan, Michigan, David (Gloria) Gouldman, of San Diego, California; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Linda Kempton of Phoenix, Arizona; and many extended family members and close friends.

Funeral services will be held June 26, 2021, at Roger’s church; full arrangements will be coming.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.