Charles Merritt Kemberling

Charles “Charlie” Merritt Kemberling, Sr.

Always Involved in the Community -

Charles “Charlie” Merritt Kemberling, Sr., age 94, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2018.  Charlie was born on Thursday, November 1, 1923 in East Pennsboro Township to the late Mearl G. Kemberling and Annie A. (Wevodau) Kemberling.  In addition to his parents, Charlie is preceded in death by his six siblings: John Kemberling, Miriam Nicolas, Sarah Fox, Doris Miller, Foster Kemberling, and Earl Kemberling.

Charlie’s survivors include his wife of 59 years, Thelma G. (Gibbons) Kemberling; his two sons: Terry Kemberling and his wife, Laura, of New Cumberland, Charles Kemberling, Jr. of Severn, MD; his good friends and neighbors, Dave and Becky Weaver of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Charlie graduated from Enola High School as part of the class of 1940 and served in the United States Navy.  He retired from Hampden Township in Mechanicsburg, after 18 years of service working as a township manager.  Charlie was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Enola.  He was a past president and member of the Mechanicsburg Sportsmen’s Association, an honorary life member of the Hampden Township Fire Department, and founder and past president of Rippling Waters Camp in Sullivan County, PA.  Charlie was also a member of the Carlisle Fish & Game Association, The Mechanicsburg Club, American Legion Post #109, Harrisburg Hunters & Anglers Association, Enola Sportsmen’s Association, West Shore Elks Lodge #2257, and a lifelong member of the NRA.  He was a huge outdoorsman who spent some time fishing in Alaska and hunting in various states across the country.  Charlie also spent his entire life farming and tending to his garden, which was always extensive in size.  He was always very interested in what was happening in the community.  Charlie and his wife, Thelma, even donated land that eventually became the lighted soccer field at Creekview Park in Hampden Township.

All are welcome to join Charlie’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Saturday, January 27, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6839 Wertzville Road, Enola, PA 17025; with Pastor Anne-Rose Reeves officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Enola.  Charlie’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Charlie’s life can be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6839 Wertzville Road, Enola, PA 17025.

Charlie’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Charlie’s full obituary, view his portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.