ATHENS- Donald Lee Kempton, age 52, of Athens died early Saturday morning, January 4, 2025 at Marietta Memorial Hospital, Marietta. Born February 27, 1972 he was the son of the late Robert Paul Kempton and Debra Lynn Shields Kempton Cline. Donald was raised from the age of 3 by his maternal grandmother, Clarice Shields and her companion Steve Cooper, who Donald called “Pap”.
A graduate of Athens High School, Donald enlisted in the US Army following graduation. He was a satellite communications repairman and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he was employed for 30 years with the Department of Defense and had been living in Okinawa. He loved his family, fishing and his Country.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Nana Tamaki Kempton; four daughters whom he dearly loved, Riley Aiko, Lillian Mei, Rebecca Yuri and Ayaka Kempton; three brothers, Cody (Camie) Rutter, Ryan Rutter and Derik (Jessica) Rutter; an aunt, Kathy Shields and her family, Jeff, Luke, and Brad (Kathy) Shields and Wendy Shields (Doug) Green; uncles, Ed (Shelly) Cooper and their family, Tammy and Dave and Larry Cooper and his family, Brian and Todd; nieces and nephews, Kara, Kimberly, Sydney, Kyle, Karlie and Carter; great nieces and nephews, Add, Alayna, Atlus and Myla; his best friends, John & Kelly Dotson; a cousin, Sharon Kempton and many other family members and relatives.
Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Clarice Shields; and an uncle, Barry Shields.
A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, January 12th at 2:00 p.m. at West Union St. Cemetery, Athens with Rev. William Hunter officiating. Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery by VFW Post 9897 and KT Crossen Post 21 American Legion Honor Guards. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
