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Kempton dies after short battle with cancer

Dr. Wendell KemptonDr. Wendell Kempton, a noted alumnus, trustee and friend of Baptist Bible College & Seminary, died early Sunday January 6. He was 75.

He was actively serving as president emeritus of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism until being diagnosed in December with Stage 4 cancer. The severity of his condition was unknown until then.

“Wendell Kempton served Christ as a leader of global Great Commission ministry. His passion for God and love for people caused him to be used of God in the lives of multiplied thousands through the years,” said Baptist Bible College & Seminary President Jim Jeffery.

“As a graduate of BBC, student athlete, athletic director, administrator, and trustee, he has been involved in the development of our school in multiple ways including helping locate and negotiate the purchase of our current campus in 1968. His love for our students and staff was evident whenever he was on campus.”

Dr. Kempton attended Baptist Bible from the fall 1954 until his graduation in 1957. He then acquired a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. In the fall of 1961, Kempton returned to Baptist Bible, then located in Johnson City, New York, to serve as the Director of Christian Education, Athletic Director, and basketball coach.

Dr. Kempton was greatly responsible for the founding of the baseball team in the spring of 1962 and the soccer team in the fall of 1962. He coached at the school for several years and coached his last team in 1968, finishing his coaching career by winning the conference championship. He served at the school from 1968 to 1971 as the Director of Development. He became a trustee in 1976.

Dr. Kempton, who served as president of ABWE in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for 30 years, was recognized as the BBC&S Alumnus of the Year in 1974. He was also the first inductee into the Baptist Bible College Athletics Hall of Honor in 2006.

"He was recognized as alumnus of the year because he models the godliness, biblical convictions, and ministry leadership we seek to reproduce at BBC&S," said President Jeffery. "Our prayers continue for Ruth and the family as we thank God with them for a life so well invested for Christ."

Details on the funeral arrangements and services will be posted later.

Posted on: 1/6/2008 1:12:30 PM