GREENWOOD
Phillip Allen (Phil) Kemple, longtime resident of the southside of Indianapolis, IN, passed into eternity on July 21, 2023.
Phil was born on September 28, 1941 in Paoli, IN to Alva Ionel Kemple and Maude Aileen (Bundy) Kemple (later Swisher). He was raised in Alexandria, IN. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He married Linda Mae Hollingsworth on February 10, 1968 in Alexandria, and they were married for 51 years before Linda’s death on December 4, 2019. Phil and Linda lived for most of their married life in Perry Township in Indianapolis, where they raised their sons and made a lifetime of memories.
Phil was a carpenter by trade, completing his apprenticeship in June 1974. He worked several jobs throughout his life, including 30 years combined for General Motors (UAW Local 23) at the GM Truck &Bus and Allison Gas Turbine plants, both in Indianapolis. Phil retired from GM in 2006. He continued to enjoy woodworking, various home projects, and rooting for the Colts and Indiana basketball following retirement. He was a faithful caregiver for Linda in her final years.
Phil and Linda worshiped with the Greenwood Church of Christ for well over four decades until Linda’s illness forced a temporary move out of state. Following Linda’s death, Phil moved back to the southside of Indy and rejoined the Greenwood church for his final years. He was a constant presence at worship services and enjoyed spending time with his fellow members. Phil continued to grow in his Bible knowledge and faith until the very end of his life. He is a great example of “finishing strong.”
Phil is survived by his sons: Mark (Rachel) Kemple and Aaron (Anna) Kemple; grandchildren: Joseph (wife Haley), Jessica (husband Kevin Kessler), Lindsay, Seth, Hannah, Anessa, Ethan, Jonathan, Emma, and Grace. In addition, Phil is survived by two great-grandchildren, Levi and Lyla. Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents, Alva and Aileen; stepparents, James Swisher and Ruby Kemple; and a brother, Richard Vernon Kemple.
Funeral services for Phil will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service &Crematory, 481 W Main St, Greenwood, IN, with Roger Shouse officiating. The family will receive guests from 9:30-11:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Bethany Cemetery, Carlisle, IN.
