Charles Allen Kemp

Charles Allen Kemp, born on May 16, 1941, in Gatesville, Texas, peacefully passed away on March 21, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the cherished son of Charles Allen Kemp and Velma Johnson Kemp. Charles married his high school sweetheart, Kitty Eleanor King, upon returning from the Army in 1968. The couple was crowned King and Queen of Evant High School in 1959. Charles was a loving and devoted husband for 55 years.

Charles was a man with many talents, hobbies, and passions. He was an avid horseback rider in his youth, enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, motorcycles, working on and restoring vehicles, home remodeling projects, cooking for Kitty and his family, and was an avid gun enthusiast. Charles helped Kitty with her quilting designs, sewing projects, as well as Hug-A-Bears given to children in distress or hardship. He was an innovative self-taught mechanical engineer for much of his entire life, and there was almost nothing he couldn’t design, build, or repair. During his long-established career as an engineer with Boeing Airport Equipment, he designed large conveyor belt systems and baggage claim devices for airports all over the world. Most notably, Charles was a devoted husband to Kitty and stepfather to Joel “Todd” Martin.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Kitty (King) Kemp; parents, Charles and Velma Kemp; son Christopher Wade Kemp; siblings Tommie and Elizabeth Kemp, Jack and Charlcie Kemp-Clark, Elmer and Mavanee Kemp-Northcut, and nephew Jerry Northcut.

Charles is survived by his stepson Joel "Todd" Martin and wife, Robin Martin, along with his beloved grandson, Blake Martin, and great-granddaughter, Kadence Danielson. In addition, he is survived by nieces and nephews, Clay and Catherine Kemp-Szenasi, Thomas and Donna Kemp, Jackie and Merna Clark, Joe and Janice Clark-Connaly, Bill and Wanda Northcutt-Page. Charles was also survived by a number of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Each of these individuals held a special place in Charles's heart, and he in theirs.

A combined memorial service for Charles and his wife Kitty, who passed on December 10, 2023, will be held at the Clayton Kay Vaughan Funeral Home in Alvarado, Texas, on April 15, 2024, at 10:30 am, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the LaQuinta in Alvarado from 12-2 pm, and finally a brief veteran’s memorial service with honors at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas, at 3:15 pm.

As we remember Charles, let us celebrate the remarkable life he led and the love and knowledge he shared with his family and friends. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched, and the impact he made will be felt for generations to come. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the warmth of the love he so freely gave.

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