Stephen Warren Stemple

Born on Aug. 13, 1934, in Aurora (Preston County), West Virginia, he was the son of Ezra Paul Stemple and Opal Kidwell Stemple, both educators in Preston County.

Steve was the oldest of four children and the last surviving member of his immediate family. Steve graduated from Aurora High School and attended Fairmont State University, embarking on a life dedicated to family, community and faith.

Steve is survived by his three children, daughter Sharon Stemple Hinchman and her husband, Mike, of Elkins, West Virginia, with grandchildren Kristin Lee Stemple Hinchman of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Andrew Michael Stemple Hinchman of Elkins, West Virginia; son, Michael Stemple and his wife, Janice, of High Bridge, New Jersey, with grandchildren Jennifer Clemente and her husband, Cliff, with great-granddaughters Ava and Hannah of Glen Gardner, New Jersey; Brian Stemple of Holland Township, New Jersey, and Tim Stemple and his wife, Hayley, with great-grandson Jeremey of High Bridge, New Jersey, and son Alan Stemple and his wife, Patty, of North Charleston, South Carolina, with granddaughter Courtney Stemple and great-grandson, Aziel, of North Charleston, South Carolina.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Janet Selders Stemple Kinneer and her husband, Dave, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; nieces, Melissia Stemple Owen and husband, Chris, with daughters Amelia and Natalie, Garden City, New York, and Meridith Stemple, Flemington, New Jersey; and nephew, Matt Stemple and wife, Megan Johnson, with sons Ezra and Emmett, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his fiance, Margie Sutton, Elkins West Virginia; Phyllis Carmelia Lee Cavalier Stemple, of Sterling, Virginia, the mother of his children; his brother, Jack Lynn Stemple, of Herndon, Virginia; his sister, Nancy Joyce Stemple Williams, and her husband, Ray, of Evans, Colorado; his brother, Phillip Edward Stemple and his wife, Marie, of Flemington, New Jersey; and his granddaughter, Joanna Marie Stemple of High Bridge, New Jersey.

Steve was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Elkins, West Virginia, where he also enjoyed singing in the Choir. He was an active member of the Elkins community, enjoying the summer outdoor concerts at the Rotary Amphitheater and staying physically active with regular visits to Elkins Physical Therapy and Sports on Railroad Avenue. For many years, he was recognized as a frequent blood donor. Steve had a love for the outdoors and was often found tending to his yard and mowing his lawn. He was a devoted fan of WVU football and basketball, as well as NASCAR racing. Steve worked for over 15 years with GMAC in Elkins and Clarksburg and then for many years at Mountaineer Motors in Elkins. After retiring, he found a perfect fit for his love of the outdoors, working part-time with the US Forest Service helping to maintain Monongahela National Forest.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to WV Hospice and All Care for their care and support during Steve’s final days.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until noon, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Elkins.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, from the church, with Pastor Tim Edin officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Aurora Cemetery at Aurora, West Virginia.

Interment will follow.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Stephen Warren Stemple.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.