Donald Keith Kemble

Don’s life began on August 20, 1927, in Dover, KS. He was the son of William K. and Florence M. (Rezac) Kemble. Don attended high school in Eskridge and was a member of the 1945 graduating class. Following graduation, Don was inducted into the United States Army. He served his nation in 1945-1946 as an Army weather observer and was stationed in Bermuda. After the service, Don was hired by the Rock Island Railroad and later worked for Southern Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1987. He worked as a fireman and an engineer over the years. Don was united in marriage to Joyce E. Herpich on February 14, 1949, at the First Christian Church in Herington. Don and Joyce enjoyed square dancing together and were faithful members of the First Christian Church. Don was a member of Union Lodge #7 Masons, Isis Shrine, and Commandery in his Masonic fraternal organizations. He was an elder, and board chairman of the church trustees, served on the Hilltop Center board and delivered Meals on Wheels for decades. Don was an avid gardener that grew outstanding produce and made lots of wonderful friends in the process. He is survived by his daughter Debra (Robert) Barb of Warsaw, MO. and Kurt (Jerri) Kemble of Lawrence; grandchildren Thomas (Andrea) Barb, Donna (Ryan) White, Hanna (Dalton) Mick, and Max Kemble; great grandchildren Phoebe and Philippa; brothers Garth “Gary” (Dorothy) Kemble of Eskridge; and nephew Brett Kemble. Don passed away on Thursday September 18, 2025, at Legacy of Herington. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother Seth Kemble. Don’s family will gather with friends on Friday September 26th from 10 -11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Herington, where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Ben Bontrager and Chaplain Shawn Baird. Don will be laid to rest in Delavan Cemetery with military honors. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be directed to the First Christian Church. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Don at www.yazelmeglifh.com.