John E. Kempton Jr.

John E. Kempton Jr., 78, was born December 7, 1946 in Lancaster, OH to the late John Sr. and Amelia (Bevis) Kempton. He died August 22, 2025 in Columbus, OH with family by his side.

John was a 1966 graduate of Millersport High School. He was a 49-year Golden Age Eagle at Lancaster Aerie #2120. He served as State President in 2008 where he implemented the Disaster Relief Trailer Program. John was inducted into the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Ohio State Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Grand Aerie Hall of Fame in 2019. He was the Chairman of Eagle Village Charity for over 20 years and involved in multiple Civic Banquets at the Lancaster Eagles. These activities raised significant funds for cancer care for the Fairfield Medical Center exceeding $100,000. The Eagles’ principles of charity and public service were a guiding force in his life.

John worked his entire career in construction and retired from Pinnacle Construction out of Tennessee. He traveled all over the country building structures but was always home for his sons’ activities. He continued this dedication of involvement with his grandsons as well. There was no limit to John when it came to family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great great grandfather, and a fierce friend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy; sons, Jeff (Angela) of Lancaster and James (Jennifer) of Connecticut; grandchildren, Jordan (Tayler) of Canal Winchester, Owen (fiancée Jessie) of Massachusetts, Jack of Lancaster, and Nathan of Connecticut; precious great granddaughter, Addison Mae; brother, Gary (Cathy) of Fredericktown; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Ed) Shanahorn of Westerville, Joni Campbell of Buckeye Lake, and Ann Jenkins of Newark; many nieces and nephews; his large Eagles family; and special friends, Mervin and Ginny Sims.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Glen Bevis; sister, Gloria Asbell; brothers-in-law, Joe Campbell and Jim Jenkins; granddaughter, Addison Olivia; mother-and-father-in-law, Lois and Julian Cujas; and parents.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 10 AM in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130. Burial will take place in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Following the burial, guests are invited to the Eagles for a Celebration of Life. Family and friends may visit from 4-7:30 PM at the funeral home on Thursday, with an Eagles service to follow. Guests are invited to wear any OSU gear in honor of John.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FairHope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130 or to the charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.