James "Warren" Kemple

NEW PALESTINE - James W. “Warren” Kemple, 79, of New Palestine, passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2025 in Indianapolis. Warren was born January 8th, 1946 to James and Gladys Kemple in Rushville, where he spent his childhood on their family farm. Warren was the Valedictorian of Arlington High School’s class of 1964 and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana Central College in 1968. A proud member of the United States Army, Warren served in the Vietnam War in the 501st Signal Battalion with the 101st Airborne Division from 1968-1970 with the rank of Sergeant where he received the National Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and a Bronze Star. On May 15th, 1971, Warren married Cheryl VanOsdol whom he met on a blind date arranged by family matchmakers. Warren worked for Roche Diagnostics most recently as an Auditor in Product Release and retired after 39 years with the company in 2013. Warren was a longtime member of Post Road Christian Church, where he served as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, and volunteered where needed. In his free time, Warren loved to play ping-pong and tennis, attend car shows, support the New Palestine High School Football Team, travel to the western U.S., spend time with friends and family, and enjoy time on the family farm with his 1958 Allis-Chalmers D14 tractor. In addition to his loving wife of 53 years, Cheryl, Warren is survived by his children Kimberly (Derek) Perkins, David (Dianna) Kemple, granddaughters Kathleen and Elisabeth Perkins, brother Phillip (Marilyn) Kemple, brother-in-law Jay (Diane) VanOsdol, niece Kristina (Jerry) Spangler, nephews Eric (Crystal) Kemple, Jon (Ashley) VanOsdol, Mike VanOsdol, and several grand-nieces and nephews. Warren is preceded in death by his parents James and Gladys Kemple and grandson Adam Perkins. Warren will be remembered for his deep love for the Lord, gentle spirit, loving kindness, and unwavering service to others. He truly served as an exemplary role model in his family and community. His wisdom, guidance, and joyful spirit were a gift to us all, and his love of laughter and witty movie quotes never failed to put a smile on our faces. We could not have asked for a better husband, father, papaw, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend than Warren. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. The service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory. Burial will follow at Arlington East Hill Cemetery in Arlington, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Post Road Christian Church, 1112 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219 or to a charity of your choosing. Friends may share memories or condolences at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

James "Warren" Kemple

January 8, 1946 - March 14, 2025