Don Richard Kemble

Don Richard Kemble
On February 15, 2025, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully called Don Richard Kemble home at the age of 89 in Georgetown, Texas.
Don was many things-an educator, coach, salesman, mentor, and, above all, a devoted family man. He was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 12, 1935, to Elva Killingsworth Kemble and Franklin Gregory Kemble, Sr.
Don attended Dallas Sunset High School, where he stayed busy with baseball, cheerleading, and serving as sports editor of the Sunset Stampede. After graduation, he attended North Texas State Teachers College (now the University of North Texas), joining the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity where he served as an officer. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and returned to Dallas, following in the footsteps of his beloved brothers, Frank Jr. and Horace "Sonny" Kemble, as an educator and coach in Dallas ISD.
Though he eventually left teaching, Don never truly stopped coaching. He spent 25 years as a Regional Manager for Magnavox (North American Phillips Corporation) before his so-called "retirement" in 1994. Not one to sit still for long, he then went to work for STI International, where, according to Don, he was in charge of "BS"-or, as most people call it, "sales"-before retiring (for real this time) in 2005.
But Don wasn't defined by his career-he was defined by his enthusiasm for life and love for his ever-growing family. He was the proud patriarch of six children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. For over 60 years, Don was constantly planning-how to see all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities, family get-togethers, cruises, or quick trips to Windstar Casino with the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Melba. And while he rarely missed a chance to travel, he never missed a televised game-whether it was his beloved Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, or anything involving the University of Texas Longhorns. (Thank you, DVR.)
If you ever entered Don and Melba's home through the side door, congratulations you became an instant friend or surrogate family member. But that came with a risk: a heartfelt (and possibly lengthy) "Daddy Don" talk, a lengthy family prayer, or a seat at his bar while he mixed you a drink and asked, with all sincerity, about your life.
Don married Peggy Joyce Watson in 1956, and together they had three children: Kary Don Kemble, Steven Wayne Kemble, and Pamela Ruth Kemble. Peggy preceded Don in death in 1981.
In 1982, Don met and married the love of his life, Melba Gail Priest. Don always joked that he fell in love with Melba when she said she "had a lot"-he thought she meant money, but it turned out she meant kids. She brought three wonderful children-Gene-a Michelle Martinka, Jauna Nicole Martinka, and William Jarret Martinka-into their family. From the start, this blended "Brady Bunch"-style household was a seamless unit, with Don and Melba proudly declaring, "We don't use the word 'step' in this family".
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Frank "Pepaw" Kemble, Sr. and Elva "Memaw" Kemble; his brothers, Frank Kemble, Jr. and Horace "Sonny" Kemble; his sister, Dorothy "Dot" Hunkovic; his daughter, Pam Hodges; and his son-in-law, Bryan Cothran.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Melba Priest Kemble; his sons, Kary Kemble (Cindy), Steve Kemble (Chad), and Jarret Martinka (Becky); his daughters, Gene-a Salvati (Adam) and Jauna Cothran; his son-in-law, Earl Hodges; his grandchildren, Lauren Kemble Athon (Bryan), Michael Kemble (Allison), Tyler and Jacob Martinka, Sara and Caroline Salvati, Kemble and Nate Cothran, Jennifer Hodges Rominger (James), Heather Hodges Riley (John), Kelley Hodges, and Gordon Hodges (Angel); his seven great-grandchildren: Weston and Clarke Athon, Kendall Kemble, Zoe Rominger, William and Wendy Riley, and June Jacobs; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Don leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, integrity, laughter, and-most importantly-love. He built a life filled with enduring friendships and strong family bonds, all anchored in his faith and unwavering belief in the power of relationships. He was respected, adored, and, quite simply, unforgettable. His was a life well lived.
Visitation: Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive in Georgetown - Friday, February 21st, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Funeral Service: Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive in Georgetown - Saturday, February 22nd, 1:00 pm
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully suggests donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or a charity of your choice.