Karl Ray Kemp, 75, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at the North Platte Care Center.
Karl was born July 11, 1937, on the ranch north of Tryon in McPherson County, NE to James Ray and Irene Mae Neal Kemp. He grew up in McPherson County and graduated from Tryon High School in 1955 then went to Chadron State College for two years. Karl graduated from Arizona State University in 1964. He taught math and physics in Apache Junction, AZ for five years then worked in a mine in Superior, AZ before returning to Nebraska and McPherson County in 1974. Karl later drove a mail truck in Nebraska for 28 years.
In August 1958 Karl married Kay Elaine Gallimore at Hill City, SD. He later married Beverly June Morris on October 29, 1965, in Mesa, AZ. Karl married Lilli Ann Morris in North Platte on May 22, 2004. She passed away in January 2008.
Survivors include his children, Theresa (Dewayne) Levacy, of Portalis, NM, Danny Kemp, of San Francisco, CA, Teddy Kemp, of Glendale, AZ, Diana (Richard) Hopper, of Eddy, TX, Karla (Darrin) Hawthorne, of McGregor, TX, Keven (Louisa) Kemp, of McGregor, TX, Lana Kemp, of Lincoln, NE, Denise (Luther) Morris, of Tupelo, MS, and Sherry (Robin) White, of Rootstown, OH; and his stepchildren Dale (Lynnea) Miller, of Lingle, WY, Jonathan (Lisa) Anthony and Nathaniel Anthony, all of North Platte.
He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry Kemp and James “Richard” (Carolyn) Kemp, all of Tryon; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Irene Kemp; nephew, Lamar James Kemp; his wife, Lilli Ann; and stepdaughter, Gloria Crapson.
A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Pastor Jeremy Rinke of the Harvest Christian Fellowship officiating. Cremation will follow the service and, by Karl’s wishes, his cremains will be scattered. Visitation will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com with Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore in charge of arrangements.