Steven Robert Wemple, Sr.

“Nashville Recording Artist”

Mr. Steven Robert Wemple, Sr, 59, of Lockport, NY, passed away, surrounded by his loving children and sister on Tuesday, July16, 2019 while staying at the V.A. Medical Center in Buffalo, NY.  Born on September 6, 1959 in Lockport, NY, he was the son of the late Robert Francis Wemple, Sr. and the late Joan C. (Aikin) Wemple and the step-son of the late Patricia (Ferington) Wemple.

Mr. Wemple graduated from Newfane High School in 1977.  Steven proudly served in the United States Navy from 1977 until he completed his term and was honorably discharged in 1981. While stationed at the Mayport Naval Station, he met Renea Smith, who would soon become his wife in 1982.  While in Jacksonville, Mr. Wemple was employed as an IT Specialist for Barnett Bank and had two children, Stevie and Meghan. Steven and his family then moved to the “Small Southern Country Town” of Hendersonville, TN in 1994 for employment at the Xerox Corporation.  Soon after, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sandra joined him and together they bought a large piece of land, up on a hill, and built two homes.  Mr. Wemple was a brilliant and talented musician, vocalist and composer.  Steven, with the help of his brother and partner, Bobby recorded and released an album titled, “What Color is the Sky in Your World?”, which is one of the tracks, would speak of different loves, passions, experiences, a local “hotel”, people, situations and feelings throughout Steven’s life and still speaks volumes today. In one of his lyrics, he writes “Gonna take a shot at makin’ music.  Build a couple of houses-I know we can do it.  Up on a hill is how we’d prefer it………All I’m asking for is a chance to make a difference.  Gotta look where you're going not where you’ve been.” In 2009, Mr. Wemple moved to Lockport, NY and continued his passion in playing country music as a hobby.  Above all, Steven was a quiet man, had a “mind of steel and a heart of gold” and loved his family unconditionally.

Mr. Wemple is survived by children, Steven Robert (Shannon) Wemple, Jr. and Meghan Wemple; grandchildren, Madeline, Aubrie and Josiah; siblings, his best friend and rock Darlene Wemple, Laura (Richard) Rutland and Robert Francis (Sandra) Wemple, Jr; nieces and nephews, Michael (Laura) Goodlander, Ashley (John) Cocco,  Emily (Nicholas) Kilkenny, Richard R. (Brittney) Rutland, Jeremy Wemple and Katelin Wemple; his former spouse, Renea (Smith) (Michael) Watts and many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents and step-mother, Steven was predeceased by his former father and mother-in-law, “Grandma and Grandpa,” Buddy and Bettye Smith, which he writes, “Grandma and Grandpa you taught me what it is to live. Grandma and Grandpa you taught me how to forgive.  Grandma and Grandpa you taught me what it is to give.”

The family will be present to receive friends on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. at RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, Inc.2670 Main St. Newfane, NY 14108.  Steven’s Mass of Christian Burial, concluding with Military Honors, will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Brendan on the Lake, at St. Charles Church, 5972 Main Street, Olcott, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT THE CHURCH.  A private interment will be held in St. Charles Cemetery, where Steven will be laid to rest.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

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