CGFD holds memorial for Robert Kembel

Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian

Sunday, April 11, 2021

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department held memorial services for retired Battalion Chief Robert Kembel on Saturday, April 10. The memorial began with a procession starting at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau, passed by all CGFD stations and ended at Station 1, located at 1 S. Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau. Photos of Kembel, along with some personal items, were displayed around the room for the community to enjoy, and the Honor Guard performed memorial ceremonies.

Paul Kembel, Robert's son, is presented a United States flag prepared by the Honor Guard during the memorial service held for his father at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Robert Kembel was a retired CGFD Battalion Chief who died of a heart attack on Feb. 18. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Debie Kembel, Robert's wife, looks out into the distance, tissue in hand, while surrounded by friends, family and community members at the memorial service held for her husband, Robert Kembel, at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Debie said Robert died unexpectedly in mid-February, and they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
A bugler plays taps at the memorial service held for retired Cape Girardeau Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Kembel at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Chuck Denson, a retired Cape Girardeau Fire Department firefighter, left, stands next to Robert Kembel's wife, Debie, and son, Paul, and speaks at the memorial service held for Robert, a retired CGFD Battalion Chief, at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Kembel died of a heart attack in mid-February. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)

Debie Kembel, Robert's wife, hugs her long-time friend of 16 years, Verteree McGee, at the memorial service held for her husband at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Kembel was a retired CGFD Battalion Chief who died on Feb. 18. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Chris Miller, Cape Girardeau Fire Department driver/operator, looks at photos and belongings of retired CGFD Battalion Chief Robert Kembel, who died in mid-February, during the memorial service held at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
The Honor Guard prepares to present a United States flag to Robert Kembel's wife, Debie, and son, Paul, during the memorial service held for Robert at Cape Girardeau Fire Department Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Robert was a retired CGFD Battalion Chief who died of a heart attack on Feb. 18. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Robert Kembel's wife, Debie, left, holds on to her son, Paul, and wipes her eyes after being presented a United States flag by the honor guard during the memorial service held for Robert at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Robert was a retired CGFD Battalion Chief who died on Feb. 18. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Pastor Disson, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department Chaplain, leads the group in prayer at the memorial service held for retired CGFD Battalion Chief Robert Kembel at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)

A group of Cape Girardeau Fire Department firefighters stand together during the memorial service held for retired CGFD Battalion Chief Robert Kembel, held at CGFD Station 1 on Saturday, April 10. Kembel, 69, died of a heart attack on Feb. 18. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Crystal Smith (right) and her daughter, Lynlee (left), participate in the group prayer at the memorial service held for retired Cape Girardeau Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Kembel at CGFD Station 1 Saturday, April 10. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)
Debie Kembel, Robert's wife, prepares to pose for a photo with a group of retired Cape Girardeau firefighters during the memorial service held for her husband at CGFD Station 1 on Satuday, April 10. Kembel was a retired CGFD Cattalion Chief who died on Feb. 18. (Brooke Holford ~ Southeast Missourian)