Ralph Lee Kemper

Ralph Lee Kemper of Jackson, Mich., passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the age of 79.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Brenda Diane Kemper; children, Susie (Danny) Beck, Denisa Crane, Christina (Billy) Johnston, Jason Workman, Lena (David) Hawkins, and Kylie (Andrew) Bauer; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special brother-in-law Richard Sigers; brother, Elmer (Melissa) Kemper Jr.; sister, Patty Black, as well as many nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Clayton; sister, Nora Jo Brown; mother-in-law, Emilee Sigers; and son, Richard Howard Workman.

Ralph was born Nov. 26, 1943, in Blytheville to Elmer and Arline (Vaugn) Kemper. He graduated from Blytheville High School where he excelled in track and field winning the state championship in pole vault. He loved music and played bass guitar in a band for 16 years. He served in the Army Reserves for two years. He relocated to Jackson, Mich., in 1978 for work and retired from Adco Products after 20 years of service. He loved fishing, playing cards, horse racing and spending time with family. His most favorite was making people laugh. He touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of his life was at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202) on Monday, May 1, at 1 p.m. with pastor Michael Mason officiating. The family received friends for visitation on Sunday, April 30, from 4-7 p.m. He was laid to rest at Roseland Memorial Gardens.