Donald Robert Gempler

Donald Robert Gempler, an avid outdoorsman, was called home to be with the Lord on December 30, 2022, at his home. Don was born in Alliance, Ohio, on August 8, 1943, to Kenny and Marie Gempler. His family moved to Wichita, Kan., in 1954. Both Don and his brother, Greg, were active in swimming, and both went on to swim in college. It was at Emporia State Teacher's College where he met his wife, Connie. They were married in 1968 while both were finishing school. After Don graduated, they moved to Wichita, Kan., where Don and Connie both began teaching. While in Wichita, Don and his brother, Greg, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. He even raced motocross during that time. After both their daughters were born, they moved to Arkansas because of the crystal-clear lakes and streams. Don continued his love for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. His girls also developed a love for the outdoors and the water. Both girls were on swim team and became lifeguards like their dad. Don retired from J. B. Hunt and became a very active tennis player. His team won state in the over-55 category. His team also won the over-70 category at the Hot Springs Tournament. Don and Connie developed many friends playing tennis. They also loved to travel and even did a fly-in fishing trip to Canada, which was the first thing Don marked off his bucket list. They also traveled to Alaska, Belize, Costa Rica, and most of the 50 states. However, the trip they always enjoyed the most was going to Colorado when the aspens were at their peak, and they could ride four-wheelers in the mountains with Don's brother and his wife. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marie Gempler. He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Kristine Lemmon (Jim) of Bella Vista, Ark., and Kim Conway (Doug) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; six grandchildren, Zach Lemmon of Rapid City, S. D., Cole Lemmon of Bentonville, Jakob Lemmon of Springfield, Mo., Lucy Lemmon of Columbia, Mo., Davis Conway and Drew Conway of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and his brother, Greg Gempler (Sharon) of Cotopaxi, Colo. A private family service will be held at Bella Vista Cemetery on Friday, January 6, 2023, with Father Mike Sinkler officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to St. Stephen Benevolent Conference, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1300 NE J Street, Bentonville, Ark. 72712 or Petal It Forward, 3902 NW Wishing Springs Rd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72712. Arrangements are being made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be left at www.funeralmation.com.