Stephen J. Kempf, Colonel, U. S. Army, Retired, passed away on December 19, 2021 in Parkville,   MO.  He was born on October 18, 1939 in Washington, IN,  the son of Corwin and Margaret Kempf.  He married Barbara Hawkins on November 22, 1980 in Alexandria, VA

Steve graduated from Washington High School in 1957  Enlisted in the Army in 1959. He received an appointment to the U. S Military Academy at West Point, NY graduating with the class of 1965 "Strength and Drive."  His military schooling includes: Air Defense Officer Advanced Course, Department of Defense Information School; U. S. Command and General Staff College, and the U. S. Army War College.

Steve's military assignments included Vietnam, Germany, where he commanded 6/52 ADA Battalion, and Fort Leavenworth as the Director of Concepts Doctrine Directorate.  Military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, 2d award, Army Service Ribbon; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 campaign stars; Overseas Service Ribbon; 3d award; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, French National Defense Medal Gold Class, Army Staff Identification Badge; Parachute Badge and Ranger Tab.  Steve retired from the Army in 1992  He served as President of Armed Forces Insurance, retiring in 2002.  He served as President, Board of Education, USD 207 for 17 years

Steve loved his county, the Army, the Leavenworth community and his family. He was a model railroader, war gamer, creating the Dunn Kempf Battle Simulation, and painting tiny little soldiers. He was a 33 ^rd Degree Mason, member of the Leavenworth Lions, club and a proud member of the Old Bastards.

Steve is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara of the home, brother Mike (Vivi), step-daughter Kathy Barnette, Granddaughter Katy Williams (Anthony) great-granddaughter Chloe and great-grandson Evan, brother-in-law Jim Hawkins (Carole), Aunt and Uncle Jean and Allen Litten,

niece Michelle, nephews Mark and Michael, and 5 great-nephews, special friends Shannon and Sherri Williams and daughter Susan.

Visitation will be held on January 4, 2022, 5:00 until 7:00 at the Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth.  Graveside services with military honors will be January 5, 1:30 at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to: AIR Ministries, c/o Leavenworth First United Methodist Church, 422 Chestnut Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048 or Deeper Windows Association, 729 Pennsylvania Ave, Leavenworth, KS  66048, both offering support to those with Alzheimers disease and their families.