Willis Duaine Kemper, 75, of Cox's Mills

(04/16/2018)
Willis Duaine Kemper, 75, of Cox's Mills, WV (Newberne Road community) departed this life in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 15, 2018 at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston, WV following an extended illness. Born May 11, 1942 in Newberne, Willis is the son of the late George and Louise Cutlip Kemper.

Willis was a graduate of Weston High School, class of 1960. He built houses for many years before becoming a heavy equipment operator for the Department of Highways from which he retired on June 1, 2004. In his spare time, Willis enjoyed hunting, fishing, building and fixing things, helping others, living the quiet life in Newberne, and he was a Christian by faith.

On December 7, 1971 Willis was united in marriage to Gloria Lester Kemper, who preceded him in death in March 2008.

Surviving are 2 children, Steven Eric Kemper and wife Jeanne of Mt Hope, WV; and Leigh Ann Kemper-Belin and husband Donald of Matthews, NC; and 3 brothers, George David Kemper and wife Florence Anne of Newberne, Joseph C. Kemper and wife Kathy of Newberne, and Larry A. Kemper and wife Betty of Lewisburg, WV.

Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, Matthew, Mason, and Mitchell Mullmann, Nychele, Brie-Anne, and Rebekah Kemper, and Drew and Casey Turner and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Along with his wife and parents, Willis is preceded in death by 1 brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, Russell, Mary Ann, and Patrick D. Kemper all in 1981.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc, 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV 26351 at 11:00 AM; Saturday, April 21, 2018 with Rev. Steven Eric Kemper officiating. Burial will follow in the Horn Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Cox's Mills. Friends will be received from 5-8 PM Friday evening at the mortuary.