January 11 1937 February 24 2020 (age 83)
Obituary Roger W. Kempster rested in the arms of the Lord on February 24, 2020. He was born at home on Jan 11, 1937 in Joslin, Illinois to Russel and Florence(Brown) Kempster. He grew up on the family farm in London Mills IL. Hard work was plentiful but he always found time to engineer and build things. He and his brothers were noted for putting Buick engines in just about anything and Harley engines on Go carts. He always knew how to make work fun. Roger married Dixie Ruth Smith on St Patrick’s Day in Palmyra MO. They later divorced. The couple had one daughter Roj Ann Kempster-Werthmann Ingleside TX. Roj Ann, his namesake, was his absolute pride and joy. Arguing and barking orders at each other was their favorite past time but undoubtedly, they adored one another. He loved his 3 grandchildren dearly. Richard W. Percy(Michele) Moline IL, Roger W. Werthmann Wallisville TX and Melinda J. Rosson(James) Portland TX. He was so proud of their talents, accomplishments and loved to share stories about them. He cherished his 5 great grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face: Meika Nicole, Roger Isiah, Jadie Noelle, Josslyn Amaya, and James Raymond IV. He had 3 step great grandchildren: Lindsey, Mary, and Xavier. Roger spent his early years as a welder. He worked at International Harvester and was a welder at Midland Peabody Coal Mine in Trivoli IL, spending 2 years welding on the Bucyrus Dragline. He was a welder on the I- 280 bridge outside of Davenport IA. He worked for Master Builders performing service at their regional facilities. He later owned Kempster Bulldozing in Avon IL where he built many levees for local farmers to minimize flooding and protect crop land. In later years he became part of the hospitality industry owning hotels/motels in Enid OK, Waterloo IA, on the Gulf Coast in Port Aransas and Aransas Pass TX. We mourn his loss and the empty place it leaves in our hearts, but celebrate his eternal life flying high with the Angels. Visitation will take place on Saturday February 29, 2020 at Hinchcliff Pearson-West in Abingdon, IL from 10am-12pm. Graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at West Midway Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held following the burial at Abbe Lanes Restaurant from 2-6pm. To send flowers to Roger’s family, please visit our floral section.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Roger W Kempster January 11 1937 February 24 2020 (age 83).
Death notice for the town of: Aransas Pass, state: Texas