Ray Kempel Obituary
Ray's life centered around God as he raised his family, served his country in the United States Air Force and celebrated his Quapaw Native American Heritage.
No matter the season of life, he was always busy, always a go-getter, and always looking for ways to help others. Ray gave himself freely – whether through his wisdom or simply showing up when someone needed him.
He had a gift for finding the coolest hole-in-the-wall stores and discovering the most unique treasures, often turning simple outings into memorable adventures. Ray never held back from calling you out when needed – not to criticize, but to make you think, grow and see things differently. He loved to joke, tease, and pick on those he cared about, always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
His relationship with his Savior was an essential part of his life, and he found great comfort and purpose in sharing the word of Christ with others. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the lessons he taught and the love he so freely gave. It may have started with just a handshake, but he was leaving a little Jesus everywhere he went.
He is survived by wife, Debbie Kempel; Brother, Charles Kempel; Sister, Charlotte Barnes; Son, Kenny Kempel; Daughters, Tabitha Whitten (Dustin), LaShauna Kempel, Lisa Milligan (Aaron); Grandchildren, Tiffany (Brayden), Taylor (John), Morgan (Lydia), Brenton (SenaKay), Laban, Harper and Grayson; Great-Grandchildren, Braylon, James, Ledger, Ginny, Kaiya, Kopelyn, Rosie; Bonus Son, Travis Smith; Bonus daughters: Alesia Davis, Tricia Gilligan, Amber Miears, Amber Loftus and Mandi Smith; Extended family and friends.
Ray's Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, 10:00am, February 5, 2026 at Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346 with Pastor Tommy Merritt officiating. Followed by Ray's funeral procession to Quapaw Nation Cemetery, Miami, OK.
Ray's burial will be at Quapaw Nation Cemetery, Miami, OK with military honors by the Grove Veterans Ritual Team of Grove, OK.
Ray's family will be having a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Saturday, 10:00am, February 7, 2026 at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73159.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in to First Baptist Church, Shattuck Parents Day Out and the Boys Ranch Town through the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Reta Cottrell
February 10, 2026
Brother Ray was our interim for a short time at Maguire Baptist Church. He came in like a whirlwind and we all loved him. He told us what we needed to do and then he preached God's word and he loved us. We were sad when he had to leave but he had served the purpose God had directed.
Debbie my sympathy to you. I was shocked when I heard of Ray passing. Love and prayers to you!
Lon Roland
February 3, 2026
A man of great insight. Ray could look at you and tell what you were thinking and had the passion and patience to wait for you to confirm or admit it. His commitment and love for the Lord was truly amazing.
Larry Hildebrant
February 3, 2026
I came to know Pastor Ray through his work with our congregation as the Interim Pastor Ray always was smiling and had a heart for the Lord. Ran into him many times here in Moore. He always took the time to say hello and to give you that smile. He will be missed.
Larry and Linda Hildebrant
Loni Sadler
February 1, 2026
Pastor Ray came to Highland Baptist Church in Moore to serve as our transitional pastor during a time that would soon come to be one of the craziest times for our world, 2019. He was there for about 18 months if I remember correctly. He was one of the most down to earth "real" people I have ever known and had never witnessed in a pastor before. I didn´t know what to think at first. He loooooved to talk. I still work there and he would come in atleast 3 times a week if not more just to pick my brain or tell me stories. I will always be appreciative of him officiating my husband´s grandmother´s memorial service in December of 2019. John and I will remember him for his toothpicks he always carried around and always hanging out of his mouth and his love for eagles. I will always see him as wearing his blue jeans and sometimes boots (but usually sneakers), his ball cap, and his sunglasses as he would park his truck and mosey on into the building as he is pulling up the back of his jeans at the waist. He cracked me up. We understood and just got each other. Our prayers go out to his sweet wife, Debi and their kids and grandkids. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. I am thankful that he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and is in Heaven where there is no more sickness and pain. Until we meet again.
-Always in Him,
Loni Sadler
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Jim Hilton
January 31, 2026
Ray came to preach at FSB Hutchinson, I think in the early 80's. He liked everything about it, but he told me later, that he thought he'd go back to OK, pray about, it then decline the offer. I don't remember the details but I thought of it as a supernatural event, God changed his mind and he accepted the call.
Ray was a very practical man had the gift of Administration and sound Bibical preaching. He grew, we grew, the church building sold to a wonderful group, we moved and had a building program and many successful years fiscally and spiritually.
Brother Ray baptized all three of our children who are serving and raising children of their own.
Lance and Lori Hirt
January 30, 2026
My husband and me were introduced to Rev. Kempel at First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchinson Ks. Most special memory is when Rev Kempel baptized my husband. After Rev. Kempel retired from FSB, he and my husband remained good friends. Rev. Kempel would send my husband messages " how are you, how´s the family? I´m praying for you brother". And they were always at a time my husband needed the encouragement. It´s like Rev Kempel just knew. We are thankful for the life and ministry of Rev. Kempel and his family. We look forward to our meeting in the clouds when Jesus calls us home.
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