Donald Otho Kemper

Donald Otho Kemper, age 90, passed away at home on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from a heart related condition.

Don was born to the late William (Bill) Fred Kemper and Gladys Williams McGuire on January 4,1933 in Mercerville, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Betty Jean Walker, siblings Charles Williams, John McGuire, Mary McGuire, Helen Fishe, Audrey Matherly, Ray Kemper and Norman Kemper; step siblings Rachel Hively, Ike Hively, and Johny Hively.

Don enlisted in the United States Army in May 1953 stationed at Fort Benning, GA. During his military career he was stationed in Korea, Okinawa, Germany and served seven tours during the Vietnam War proudly serving his country. He received numerous medals for his time served. He was honorably discharged from Okinawa in August 1974 as a Master Sargent.

Following his military career of 22 years Don worked for Massey Coal. In 1981 he went to work for the Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center retiring in 1996 as a Safety Officer.

Don was always eager to go adventure in the outdoors. He had a camp on the Greenbrier River he spent time at over the years. He enjoyed riding around looking for deer, eagles and turkeys. No matter what the animal was he enjoyed watching them. Over the past two years Don found joy in watching Red, a red screech owl, making numerous trips each week to see him. He observed Red from December to April and looked forward to seeing him each year.

Don cherished his pets.  He always had a dog by his side, and will be sadly missed by Patches.

Don loved his country and his family. He was cherished by many and will be greatly missed. Those survivors left to honor his memory include his best friend and life partner Ellen Walker; daughters Shirley Beidleman (Dave) of Buckeye, AZ; Barbara Jiannetti (Frank) of St Petersburg, FL; Glenna Snyder of Gallipolis, OH, and son Michael Lange of Laatzen, Germany; grandchildren Jeanine Jiannetti Rivas, Joey Jiannetti, Lisa Beidleman Pond, Gina Beidleman Quitangon, Jason Snyder; great grandchildren Shae Quitangon Johnson, Gicelle Quitangon , Ryan Pond and Autumn Pond, Cali Rivas and Easton Rivas; including many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 PM at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring Chapel on Thursday, June 1, 2023 with burial following at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, WV. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the US Army National Guard. Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. 

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.