Walter’s hard work, generosity and deep love for his family and his faith will be remembered and cherished. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Walter was born in Buffalo, NY on November 18, 1938, the son of Walter and Jane (Kopra) Cempura. He graduated from Niagara University before joining the Air Force in 1963. He and his wife Barbara were married February 1965 in Sulphur, Louisiana. He proudly served the US Air Force, retiring after 24 years. He served as a Communications Officer in Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines, Hawaii and at several stateside bases.
After retiring from the Air Forces, Walter taught computers in the Business Department at SWIC. He was a dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois for more than 30 years. He worked at countless fundraisers, fixed computers in the office and in general provided support for the agency where is wife was employed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jane Cempura Voss, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Clyde and Nora Regan, his brothers-in-law, Michael, Larry, James and Tim Regan, sister-in-law, Margaret Regan and nephew Michael Voss.
He is survived by his wife Barbara (Regan) Cempura, son Walter M (Colette) Cempura, grandson Christopher Cempura, granddaughters, Anna and Corinn Yoder, nieces Elizabeth (Pete) Bain and Kari (Cain) Dimon, nephews Paul (Mary) Voss, Mark Voss, brothers-in-law Patrick (Alice) Regan, Daniel (Liz) Regan, sisters-in-law Kathleen (Bob) Johnson, Diane Regan, Elaine (Tom) Eyre, Bridget (Chris) John, many cousins, nieces, great nieces and nephews.
Walter’s family is grateful for the compassionate care he received at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fairview Heights, the East Side Heart and Home Family Center in East St. Louis or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois.
Memorial visitation will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9:30-10:30 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church followed by a funeral Mass. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Please share memories at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com.
