Clifford Lee Zempter
December 11, 1933 - October 4, 2022
CHILLICOTHE-Clifford Lee Zempter, 88, of Chillicothe, died peacefully on October 4, 2022.
Cliff was born December 11, 1933, in Portsmouth to Henry Lee and Dora Mae (Jones) Zempter.
He graduated from Minford High School in 1952 and attended Ohio University and Rio Grande College, where he was a member of the 1952-53 undefeated national championship men's basketball team. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and met his wife of almost 65 years, Edith Gaylene (Irwin) Zempter, while stationed in Spokane, Wash. They returned to Scioto County in 1958, where they remained until moving to Chillicothe in 2003.
Cliff retired from Norfolk Southern (previously Norfolk & Western) Railroad after 30 years in 1993. Within months, he returned to work in private security. He retired permanently in 2018 at the age of 84. He took pride in his strong work ethic and enjoyed reminiscing about his childhood on Swauger Valley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, as well as seven siblings: Pearl Zempter, Jane Parsons, Paul Zempter, Ed Zempter, Phyllis Harlow, Don Zempter, and Sharon Dummitt.
He is survived by his children Dan (Terrie) Zempter, Christy (Laura Harrison) Zempter, and Teresa (Doug) Corcoran; his grandchildren Jennifer (Brandon) Entler, Andrew (Tayler) Zempter, Corey Zempter, Casey (Iraís García Rivera) Zempter, Kyelle and Gabe Corcoran; his great-grandchildren Maddie and Kate Entler; his sister Margaret Zempter; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Following a private service, Cliff's remains will be interred in Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to NCR Hospice, 2245 North Bank Drive, Columbus, OH 43220.