Ira Kempton

Ira Thomas Kempton, 76, of Thatcher passed away at home on January 18, 2015 surrounded by his family. Ira was born in Solomonville, AZ in 1938 to Milford W. Kempton and Ruby Gardner Kempton. Ira lived the majority of his life in the Gila Valley and knew many people here. He was married to Gerda Christina Gumpp for 15 years. He then married Janice Elmer, and they have been married for 33 years. Ira graduated from the Safford High School in 1957. Ira joined the U.S. Army and honorably served his country as a Missile Crewman protecting our Nations Capital. He was a long haul trucker, ranch hand, mechanic, and shop foreman. He was also a loyal friend and the ultimate hardworking handyman who could fix almost anything. Ira loved animals and his pets had a special place in his heart. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ira will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. Ira is survived by his wife Janice Elmer Kempton; son Thomas Sutton Kempton, step-children Patty Yearian, Diane Whitmer, John Allen Seymour and Linda Cole; sisters Lanetta Bogart and Laverna Willis; and brother Bill Kempton and his wife Debbie. A viewing for Ira will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center with Bishop Todd Haynie conducting. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.