Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Russell Kemmerer Obituary
He was born Nov. 1, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Frederick and Thursa Mae Kemmerer. He was the youngest of five children.
He signed his first major-league contract with the Boston Red Sox at the age of 18. His big-league career spanned a total of 11 years, pitching for Boston, Washington, Chicago and Houston.
Following his retirement from baseball, Russ's passion for his fellow man led him into the ministry, where he pastored several area churches. It was his work with various youth programs that led Russ to pursue a career in coaching, which gave him an opportunity to not only share his faith with young men but to also teach life lessons that Russ so often found in athletics.
His teachings carried him to several places in the state including Indiana University, Ellettsville, Milan, Heritage Christian and Lawrence Central, where he retired from in 1998. Shortly after his retirement, he became a published author when he penned the book titled "Hey Kid, Just Get It Over The Plate," a book about his major-league experiences and humorous stories about the twinkling stars of his era.
Survivors include his wife, Susannah Kemmerer; sons, Russell (Rita) Kemmerer of Indianapolis and Darrel (Julie) Kemmerer of North Vernon; daughters, Cheryl (Doug) Ray of Seymour and Kim (Bob) Band of Cicero; also, Brad (Kim) Potter, Brian (Rebekah) and MaKayla Potter, and Renee (Doug Cannon) Potter. He was a beloved grandfather to Matt, Jami, Molly, Adam, Ryan, Tyler, Josh, Leah and Brooke; and great-grandfather to Malory and Andrew.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Kemmerer; and a grandson, Robbie Band.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis.
The funeral service will be from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Abundant Life Church, 7606 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis.
There will be a celebration of life to honor his life and memories at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Kemmerer
Arthur Yngstrom
December 8, 2017
Russ was a great guy and friend! Enjoyed every moment I spent with him! God bless you Russ! Arty
Mike Fugate
March 9, 2015
My sincere condolences. I was researching an item I picked up recently, a certified signed autograph card by Mr. Kemmerer. I came across his obituary and was sad to hear of his passing. Thank you for including the reference to the book he wrote. I immediately went to Amazon and purchased a copy. Wish I could have met him. Sincerely.
LCHS Baseball
David Wisneski
January 28, 2015
I regret that I only now found out about the death of Coach Kemmerer. He was an inspiration to me at LC and an honor to have him as Baseball Coach.
With all good wishes, I remain,
David Wisneski
Dick Bender
December 30, 2014
Dear Sue:
I had not seen the news of Russ's death until a few days before Christmas. It was a pleasure teaching and coaching baseball and football with him. The knowledge he shared was immeasurable. I am glad I have a copy of his book to keep the memories alive. Thanks for being part of his life. I know that has been a happy time for him. May God be with you and the rest of his family as you remember him.
Betsy Wagner
December 28, 2014
Dear Sue,I was so sorry to hear of the passing of "Uncle Russ" He was my mothers little brother and he was so faithful in keeping in touch with her during her illness. I am so grateful that my husband and I were able to stop and visit with you an Uncle Russ on our way home from colorado after visisting our daughter. He was a faithful man of God and a gentle and wonderful person. I am sorry I didn't know of his passing till end of December, But am wishing you and the family peace and the love of God during this difficult time.
Betsy Wagner
December 27, 2014
Condolences to his family and friends. I met Mr. Kemmerer several times at Washington Senators reunion events -- a wonderful man.
Mike Frisch
Marjorie Williams
December 23, 2014
My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with the family. I always enjoyed listening to Russ's stories and valued his insights while we were both teachers at Lawrence Central.
Barbara Mohr
December 20, 2014
To my friend and colleague, Russ. Thank you for your compassion and dedication.
Bob Weller
December 14, 2014
Russ was a great inspiration and mentor to many. I have fond memories of him as a coach at Jackson Elementary in Seymour. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rodney Swanigan
December 13, 2014
Right now.... my heart is deeply sadden with the loss of a man who by far was one of my greatest influence...the way Coach Kemmerer touch my life was that he never have up on me...He was my football coach..my homeroom teacher and was basically my teacher for all my classes..I spent there great years under his wing..heck I'd tried out for baseball and couldn't play...this man is special..he took me on my college football trip..and to my first Indy 500...I'm a coach today,because he taught me so much then..I remember one day I was going to quit ...and he said something to me that I say to my players today.."Quit..you can't..hell..son you don't have nowhere to quit too.." Love Coach Kemmerer..
james lee
December 12, 2014
My condolences to the family....he was a great teacher and man....I had slot of respect for him....bought my first car off of him.....Chevy chevette....definitely gonna be missed
E. Shawn Aylsworth
December 12, 2014
My condolences to all in the wake of this sad news ... Russ was my varsity coach for three years in the '80s at Lawrence Central, and while I was never much for football or basketball practices, I LIVED for baseball practice. Russ was all about the fundamentals, thinking ahead, and being prepared. Some 30 years later, some of my very fondest memories are those long practices he ran, with the constant movement and teaching and dedicated effort to get us to be as good as we could be. I will never forget walking alone on the warning track after the final game at LC, bawling because it was all over. Russ made the experience one to treasure, and treasure it I will -- forever. God bless ...
Frances Williams-Forte
December 12, 2014
I really loved him as my teacher...He will truly be missed.
Jami Hercamp
December 12, 2014
Love you Papaw!
December 12, 2014
I just wanted the family to know how sorry I am for the great loss you must be feeling for your beloved Russell. Please know that God is aware of your pain. May the drawing close to Him in prayer strengthen and comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Psalm 94:18,19
Dan Ambrose
December 12, 2014
Dear Sue and the rest of Russ's family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and I pray for the comfort of god to be yours as you mourn "not like the world mourns". We will see my friend Russ again one day and oh how wonderful that day will be. The days I spent coaching baseball with Russ were some of my favorite because of his passion for the game and for mentoring young men. But what will stay with me much longer than the games we won will be the quality of friend and mentor that Russ was to little ole me. He didn't have to, but he gave and gave more and more of himself and his time to me and countless others. What a great lasting godly legacy he left. I hope and pray for Gods grace to help me be just like him some day!!
- Dan Ambrose (Heritage Christian baseball coach, indianapolis)
tom akins
December 11, 2014
I've been around good ball players much of my life, but no one taught me more about how to teach baseball than Russ did at one of his many clinics. I have my "bear glove," and it will always remind me of Russ. My deepest condolences to his family.
Tony Toon
December 11, 2014
My Deepest sympathy to the family he will always be in my memories he was a great teacher and i am a better person for haveing him be a part of my life .
December 11, 2014
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I have many fond memories of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Patty Cagle Richhart
Ed Zimny
December 11, 2014
Coach Kemmerer was my baseball coach at Craig Middle School. He was the best coach I ever had.
Ginny Hart
December 11, 2014
Dear Sue,
I was so sorry read of Russ's death. I am in California; I wish I could be there to attend his calling. I am thinking of you and sending hugs...
God bless,
Ginny Hart
December 11, 2014
As you turn to God through your tears and sorrow, bear in mind..."He is the healer of the brokenhearted ones".
C. Johnson
Pam Brandley
December 11, 2014
Sue and Family, I remember Russ fondly from teaching with him at LC. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ollie Thibodeaux
December 11, 2014
Russ was truly a kind man who delighted in recalling and sharing parts of his MLB career, but only when asked. He autographed a copy of his book for me when we both taught at LC, and I regret that time and space (room location) did not allow me to get to know him better. I enjoyed his recollections as he talked personally about some of the players and managers that I knew only through the baseball card collection and newspaper and magazine articles that I compiled and read in my youth and early adult life. My consolation to his family, but I firmly believe that you now have a person in higher places pulling for you to get that clutch hit on whatever field you choose to participate.
Margie Danenfelser
December 11, 2014
Truely sorry for the loss of a great man. I pray for peace for the family.
Mike Dugan
December 11, 2014
MLB has lost one of its dearest brothers.
Russ's passion for the ministry and coaching will always be remembered.
After my first bout with cancer Russ was there to answer my letter and send his autograph.
Collecting baseball cards was part of my life as a boy.
Russ and the family will be remembered in my daily prayers.
Bill Masters
December 11, 2014
Went by to talk to Mr. Kemmerer back on April 15, 2008. Super, super nice he was! I am so sorry to read of his passing. He gave me a great book he wrote. I reread it last July. It was better the second time around.
Dannie & Pat Sutton
December 11, 2014
Cheyrl,sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Although we are miles away you and Doug will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat And Dannie Sutton
December 11, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Although were not there you will be in our hearts and thoughts.
Tom Waldkoetter
December 11, 2014
I was saddened to read of Russ' passing. It was a joy to have known he and his family when they lived in Seymour.
Phyllis Herberg
December 11, 2014
Sue and family, So sorry to hear of Russ's passing. May all your wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead. Phyllis Herzberg
December 11, 2014
Sincere condolences to the family. May your warm memories bring you comfort. And may the God of all comfort be with you.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Russell Kemmerer's name
Memorial Events
for Russell Kemmerer
Funeral services provided by:
Indiana Funeral Care - Indianapolis8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250
How to support Russell's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Russell Kemmerer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
