Vernon “Bates” DeKemper, 89, of Princeton, passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton.

He was born July 7, 1920, in Dubois.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in WW II.

He was employed with Hasenour Motor Co. in St. Anthony and Dauby Chevrolet in Princeton.

Survivors include children, Debby Hassfurther of Ferdinand, Darrell DeKemper of Fort Branch, Denise Bond of Evansville, David DeKemper of Lynnville, Dana Burkhart of Evansville, Donna Buckles of Lynnville, Dean DeKemper of Floyds Knobs; brothers, Ralph DeKemper of Charlotte, NC, Morris DeKemper of Dubois; 18 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. (eastern) Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, at St. Peter’s UCC in Dubois. Burial will be in the church cemetery.