Obituary for Charles Kemp Charles A. Kemp, 87 of Stiritz, our hero, father, grand-father, mentor and friend; was born July 11, 1931 to Ora Alice McElravy (Kemp), and Reverend Harold James Kemp at Oblong, IL “under the water tower” left this earthly realm on August 30, 2018 at 2:45pm at Herrin Hospital to join his heavenly father. Charles attended Marshall High School. He served his country for 10 years in the Navy.
He is a Korean War Veteran, Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, Chef/Baker and Bass Player. He married Beulah Marie (Snyder) Kemp on November 23, 1957, over 60 years married bliss, she survives. He has 4 children: Charles Robert Kemp, (wife Beverly), Patricia Christene Allen (husband John), Ted J Kemp (wife Shirley), and Laura Lee Roach (husband Brian).
They all survive. He has 11 Grandchildren: Amber Smith, Tracy Deleu (husband Kyle), Kasey Kemp (wife Haley), Charles James Kemp (fiancé Brooke), Stacy Frye (husband Brent), Kimberly Miller (husband Greg), Jenna Barnet (husband Michael), Brittany Smith (husband Josh), Lacy Allen, Danielle Roach (fiancé Matthew), Kayla Lazorchak (husband Quentin). He has 19 Great Grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews and an abundance of friends.
Charles had a Jersey dairy farm in Marshall, IL early in his life where he also raised sheep. He then founded Energy Culvert Company in 1970 bringing him to Southern Illinois. He has remained CEO of Energy Culvert Company, advising his sons and wife on the operations and management of the company.
He was an active member of Stiritz United Methodist Church serving on the church board. He was a 32-degree Mason and Shriner for over 50 years. He was also member of the Scottish Rite.
He was an active supporter of St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. He was a Lifelong member of the National Cutting Horse Association. His passion for horses and the cutting horse sport was passed on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. Charles was a friend to many and shared his love for Jesus every day. He was generous, kind and willing to assist all who had a need.
He was a wealth of information, and his wisdom helped guide his family. We know Jesus has wrapped him in his arms and told him: Well done good and faithful servant. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-George, Joseph, Robert and Harry.
Celebration of life services will be 4:00 p.m., Monday, September 3, 2018 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Stephan Hudspath and family friend Rick Ditch officiating. Military rites will be accorded by Marion VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and with members of the United States Navy Military Honors Team at the funeral home concluding services.
Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be accorded at the funeral home at 3:45 p.m. by members of Lake Creek Masonic Lodge #729 of Johnston City. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. For additional information or to sign the book of memories and light a candle, please visit www.
pylefuneralhome.com.
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