Roy J Kempf

Born on July 20, 1948, Roy was the son of the late Ernest J. Kempf and Opal Jean Pitt.

Roy led a life defined by service and profound inner strength. He enlisted twice during the Vietnam War and served in the U.S. Army. An accomplished athlete, Roy's passion for boxing led him to the Army Boxing Team, where he famously traded weapons for gloves, fighting with his hands in the ring instead of on the battlefield.

Following his honorable discharge, Roy transitioned his dedication to a long career in Property Management. He worked in various positions before spending 28 years at The Glenview in Louisville, from which he proudly retired at the age of 72.

Roy's boxing career continued to flourish in civilian life. He secured a major victory by winning the 1st Louisville Toughman Contest and advanced to the National Toughman Contest in Pontiac, Michigan. It was shortly after this pivotal match that he met the love of his life, Barbe Mascharka Kempf.

Roy never truly left the boxing world. He remained involved as an official judge and later embraced a new mission: training the next generation of young boxers. Roy volunteered at a local VFW gym, coaching a program originally started by Muhammad Ali to provide a safe, disciplined alternative for kids looking to get off the street. A highlight of his life was the opportunity to meet and spar with his idol, Muhammad Ali.

In their years together, Roy and Barbe shared a love for travel, enjoying annual summer trips to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, and winter getaways to Lake Tahoe.

Roy is survived by his loving wife, Barbe Mascharka Kempf; his son, Joseph Kempf; his sister-in-law, Susan Teale, and nephew, Nicholas Teale. He is also survived by one half-brother, Gary Frost (Mary); two step-brothers, Jackie Frost and Jerry Frost, both of California; and his cousin, Mike Childers (Annette). Roy leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews born of the Frost brothers.

In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his sister, Eva Kempf, and three half-brothers, Donnie Frost, Phillip Frost (Angie), and Kenny Wayne Frost (Kim).

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Arch L. Heady Funeral Home, 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the service to immediately follow in the chapel.