Walter F. "Champ" Kemble

Walter F. Kemble, “Champ”, age 68 years, of Medford Lakes, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.  Beloved husband of Carolyn R. Kemble (nee-Sell). Loving father of Shelby Mason of Eastampton, NJ, Kevin Weiss of Orlando, FL, Morgan Steimle and her husband Michael of Tabernacle, NJ, and Macy Kemble of Medford Lakes, NJ. Devoted grandfather of Matthew Mason, Rylee Mason, Haley Weiss, Jesse Johnston, and Russell Steimle. Great grandfather of Wren Speer. Dear brother of Joanne Sager of Pemberton, NJ, Patricia Topham of Southampton, NJ, Adel Gianaris of Tuckerton, NJ, Chris Fullerton of Southampton, NJ, Cheri Lane of Kendall Park, NJ, Larry Fullerton of Bethesda, MD, and the late Aaron Kemble.  

Born in Mt. Holly to the late Marion and Aaron Kemble. Walter worked as a car inspector, crane operator, and other various duties for Amtrak in Philadelphia, PA. Those who knew Walt, knew him as “Champ” or “Champy”, a nickname given to him by his grandfather at a young age. Champ was a “do it yourself” kind of guy and throughout his life could often be found in his garage working on his latest project. When he wasn’t in his garage, you could find Champ at Atco Raceway where he served as an employee, racer, and crew chief to his daughters racing careers. Champ began working at Atco Raceway in the summer of 1989 as a Burnout Technician and eventually moved up to be a Track Starter. Champ’s role at Atco Raceway changed to crew chief when his daughters, Morgan & Macy, raced Junior Dragsters. Champ was also a member of the EZ Rodz hot rod club where he showcased one of his many classic cars over the years, “Barbara Ann” a Candy Apple Red 1935 Chevrolet Sedan, named after the famous Beach Boys song.  Champ also enjoyed taking his various trucks and jeeps out in the Pine Barrens for off road adventures. One of Champ’s favorite spots to explore was Quaker Bridge Road in Wharton State Forest. In his retirement from Amtrak, Champ continued his active lifestyle full of cars and enjoyed driving the tow truck for his buddy Jimmy at Friendship Junkyard. Champ also rode his motorcycle, a 2007 Victory Hammer, throughout New Jersey with various friends & family, especially his buddy Carmen. Champ loved all things outdoors and nature and enjoyed fishing throughout his years. Another passion of Champ’s was his love for music. Champ’s musical knowledge ranged from rock n’ roll to country to pop to blues. Champ was known for his ability to recall song titles and artists of songs spanning across many decades and if you were lucky, he’d even throw in a fun fact about the band for you. Champ was a one of a kind guy who would do anything for those he loved. 

  Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00PM and on Monday March 31, 2025 from 9:00 to 11:00AM at the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055. Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment private.  

  In lieu of flowers, please share below your favorite memory of or with Champ. Should you wish to donate, memorial donations are preferred to Samaritan Hospice who went above and beyond to provide comfort to Champ and his family during his last days with us.  https://www.samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/ 

(www.BradleyStow.com)  

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Walter F. "Champ" Kemble, please visit our Tree Store.