James Elbert Stemple

STEMPLE, JAMES ELBERT

Passed away September 29, 2005 due to complications from surgery. Born August 10, 1911, he was the youngest of seven children and enjoyed a long, happy and healthy life. An educator for more than 40 years, he began his teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in rural West Virginia - going on to receive a B.A. from Alderson Broaddus College, a B.S. from the West Virginia Institute of Technology, culminating in a Masters in Education from the University of Maryland. He served honorably in World War II and later married Emily Horton Fulwiler in 1954. Emily passed away in 1997. A devoted and loving father and husband, he is survived by his son, James Wesley Stemple; two daughters Sally Nay and Susan Ranta; grandchildren Kevin Nay, Deborah Taylor and Leslie Whisenhunt; and three great-grandchildren Lauren and Peyton Taylor and Garrett Whisenhunt.

His retirement years were spent traveling, gardening and enjoying a rich social life. He was active in the Lion's Club, the Arlington and Virginia Educators Associations, Leisure World Men's Choral, Fun and Fancy and Interfaith Chapel.

He will be long remembered for his kind, gentle and endearing way. He cherished the joy he shared with his family and devoted friends and always maintained a positive outlook despite life's challenges. It is his wish that those close to him reflect on that joy when thinking of him.

A memorial service will be held at the Vantage House Auditorium, 5400 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD on Monday, October 3, 2005 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Johns Hopkins University, Wilmer Eye Institute, Research for Macular Degeneration, Wilmer 112, 600 N. Wolfe St., Balitmore, MD 21287. Arrangements by WITZKE FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD.