Charles L Kempf

Charles "Charlie" Lloyd Kempf, age 74, of Eldon, Missouri, passed away on May 1, 2025, at Lake Regional Hospital. He was born on December 25, 1950, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Lester and Mildred (Osick) Kempf. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Rita Steppig, on December 30, 1972, in Millstadt, Illinois.
Charlie graduated from Dupo High School in Illinois in 1969. Shortly thereafter he began his career with Union Electric (Ameren). After short stints in the St. Louis and Cahokia plants, he and Rita moved to the Lake as he transferred to Bagnell Dam. Over thirty-one years (twenty-seven at the Lake) he worked his way up from Porter to the Superintendent of Operations. In 2002, he took early retirement from Ameren and at his retirement party his friends and coworkers lovingly labeled him "Captain Hydraulics".
A man of strong faith, Charlie loved Jesus and had a heartfelt desire for everyone he met to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior. In 2004, Charlie was called by God to become the pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. For over twenty years he and Rita dedicated themselves to the ministry of the gospel and lovingly cared for the spiritual needs of countless people. He truly fulfilled the command of Jesus to "Feed my Sheep" found in the Gospels. His passion for the Word of God was evident and he shared that love of scripture with everyone around him. He encouraged them to take God's Word and read it daily with their family, as was his custom.
Second only to Jesus, his family and farm were great passions for him. Charlie worked tirelessly and countless hours on his tractor planting trees, landscaping with native rocks, planting grass, and installing a Lake which resulted in a beautiful property he utilized in his ministry to both his family and others. Before any project he would always take his hat off and to say a short prayer, "Lord, help us to be safe and I pray that this would honor and glorify You, Amen". He was a faithful husband, loving father, joyful grandfather, and great grandfather who handed down an ethic of hard work, laughter, and love of Jesus as a legacy to his family. It was a tremendous blessing to him that he was able to baptize all his grandchildren after leading them to the Lord.
He would want all to know that Jesus loves them and that the gift of salvation is open wide to everyone if you would only pray, as Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Rita; son, Charlie Kempf II (Amy); daughter, Amy Funderburk (Jack); brother, Clyde Kempf (Terry); and his cherished grandchildren, Chas Kempf (Courtney), Samantha Holman (Cade), Karli Engleman (Isaiah), Luke Funderburk (Juliana), and Jackson Funderburk. He also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Callahan Kempf and with one on the way; seven nieces; his supportive church family; and countless friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Missions Fund at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, to help propagate the gospel.
Friends will be received from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Mt Carmel Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Mt Carmel Baptist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.