Bob Kemble

Robert Craig Kemble, aged 76 years, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024, with family gathered around his bedside at his home, following a courageous battle against cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, honorable veteran, bowler, and deer processor. His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice.

He was born on January 2, 1948 in South Bend, Indiana to Robert Charles and Helen Patricia (Kolupa) Kemble, and graduated from Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana.  He enlisted in the United States Army where he earned his parachutist badge and was deployed with the 173^rd Airborne to Vietnam, serving a full year.  His service in Vietnam earned him the Vietnam Campaign Medal and two Overseas Bars.  After completing a three-year tour of duty, he was Honorably discharged and returned to Mishawaka, where he secured a job at the AM General plant as a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local 5.   Robert dedicated thirty years of service to AM General before retiring. Even after retirement, he remained active, remodeling homes and building decks. Additionally, he established a seasonal business processing deer for area hunters, steadily expanding his clientele until his illness restricted his ability to continue.

Bob was a member of Huntly Memorial Baptist Church in Niles. He had a longstanding passion for bowling, which began at the former Shula’s 31 Bowl and continued at its successor, Joey Armadillo’s. Notably, he achieved a certified perfect game of 300, earning him a commemorative ring.

Bob enjoyed fishing both off his boat and from the pier in Lake Michigan, targeting salmon, steelhead, and perch. He also frequented inland lakes for bluegill and perch. He found joy in deer hunting, with a focus on providing food for his family rather than seeking trophies for display.

Bob was a supporter of the Special Olympics. He generously hosted athletes for fishing experiences and volunteered at area therapeutic stables, where he assisted people with special needs in experiencing the joys of horseback riding.

On May 31, 1969, in Hinesville, Georgia, he married the former Terrie Lynn Meador. Last year, they celebrated the remarkable fifty-fourth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Terrie Lynn Kemble and their children, Tammy Lynn McGookin, Angela Jo (& Leland III) Ackerson, and Melinda Sue Kemble, all of Niles, and Marie-Rose (& Gaetan) Gatete of Granger, Indiana; grandchildren Shelby Lynn Whitehead (& Kevin Najacht), Haley Ann Whitehead, Miranda Sue Whitehead, Alex Robert Humphrey (& Katelyn Connors), Leland Kenneth Ackerson IV, Landon Craig Ackerson, Kayla Sue (& Brian) Parker, Tagan Riley (& Chris) Gano, Joshua Robert Yakim, Gabriel-François Shema Gatete, and Joshua Jabo Gatete; great-grandchildren Kage, Kian, Kinley, Enzo, Alistar, Mason, Eleanor, Jensen, Harper, Lincoln, Owen, and Avery; and Bob’s sister, Patricia Ann McClanahan of Mishawaka, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Denny Kemble.

The family of Bob Kemble will be hosting a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Huntly Memorial Baptist Church, located at 1139 Huntly Road in Niles with Pastor Michael Smith of the church officiating. Following the service, there will be Full Military Honors conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard, with assistance from American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan, in the church parking lot. Committal services will be held privately at a later date at Bertrand Cemetery in Niles.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at the church starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Huntly Memorial Baptist Church, 1139 Huntly Road, Niles, Michigan, 49120.  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences and memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Bob's life was defined by service. Whether in the military or at his civilian jobs- even at the bowling alley, in the fishing boat, and at the stable- he dedicated himself to serving others. He cherished his family, including the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and especially Terrie; all evidence of his obedience to the command to love God and love people.