Wellington L. Kemphfer, Sr. age 92, of Dover, went home to the loving arms of Jesus on October 24, 2026 at Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia following a recent stroke.

Born in his family home at Oakland, Maryland on May 17, 1934, he was the son of the late Herman L. and Mary E. (Loudermilk) Kemphfer, Sr.

While in Mt. Lake Park, Maryland at a roller-skating rink, Bill met his loving wife, Erma Upole. They wed on October 4, 1952 and lived a blessed life together for 69 married years, before her passing in October of 2021.

Bill’s life revolved around work. He began working at the age of 14 years old. He began driving trucks for a florist, then spent 10 years working for the Maryland State Forestry Department. After this he began a 30-year career with the railroad. He retired as a supervisor. In 1986 Bill and Erma opened Dover Sewing Center. Together, Bill and Erma served the community’s seamstress needs for 11 years.

Bill, Erma, and their family spent many wonderful moments on their family property on the side of the mountain in Maryland. They also loved to “roam the world” in their motorhome. When Bill was not traveling you could find him on a bulldozer.

Bill will be deeply missed by his children, Bill (JoAnn) Kemphfer, Jr., Gail (Bill) Houglan, Richard Kemphfer, and Michael (Melissa) Kemphfer, all of Dover; 5 grandchildren, Eric, Gary, Larry, Alixandra, and Madilyn; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and brother, James Paul Kemphfer III.

In addition to his parents, and wife Erma, Bill was preceded in death by his grandson, Kevin Kemphfer; sister, Charlotte Ernst; and brother Herman Kemphfer, Jr.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a service led by Pastor David Wing beginning at 11:00 AM.

The family wishes to thank Ohio’s Hospice Truman House for the outstanding care provided to Bill. Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.