David Kemp Jr.

David Duncan Jackson Kemp, JR, 91 years old, passed away on August 4, 2022, at Heart to Heart Hospice in Fort Worth, TX. He was born on July 24, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA to David Duncan Jackson Kemp Sr and Lola Bell Banks Kemp.

David grew up in Fort Worth, TX. He graduated from Polytechnic Senior High School in Fort Worth, TX in 1951. After high school, he joined the Army in 1952 and served for 4 years. He served in Korean War and was honorably discharged, in 1956, achieving the rank of E3.  He attended Tarrant County Community College in Fort Worth, TX where he received an associate’s degree in HVAC. He was a jack of all trades from Chef in the Army, working in the family furniture business, Furniture and Appliance Sales, to Head Custodian for Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ. He retired in 2001 after 21 years.  He served as a Deacon at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ.

David married Marquita in 1958 in Springtown, TX. They were happily married for 33 years. They were blessed with four lovely daughters.  His greatest pride was being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He took his family on camping trips to Lake Texoma throughout the years.  He took great joy in celebrating holidays. He supported his daughters in sporting activities and teaching them about maintaining cars and being safe.  It was important to him to bring his daughters up in the church with Marquita and about the love of Christ.  He led by example through his service, work ethic, and integrity.  After the death of Marquita, he continued advising his daughters and supporting their careers.  He was involved in his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives, attending birthdays, graduations, and various celebrations.  As he continued to serve in the church, he was introduced to another servant of God, Iva Nell.

David married Iva Nell in 1996 in Arlington, TX. They were happily married for 25 years. David and Iva Nell were members of Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ.  He volunteered with her in various activities in the Church. Greeting Visitors, preparing Wednesday night meals for the congregation, and working on the picture directory are some examples of with he contributed.  He enjoyed traveling with Iva Nell throughout the United States.  Places such as National Parks and Monuments, Museums, and well-known entertainment venues.  They enjoyed adventures to Canada and Mexico. He welcomed his extended family and continued his traditions of support through births of grandchildren, holidays, graduations, and other celebrations.

David was preceded in death by his father, David Duncan Jackson Kemp Sr.; mother, Lola Bell Kemp; wife, Edna Marquita Wright Kemp; sister, Dorothy Jean Kemp Carey; sister, Eva Lena Kemp Carpenter; nephew, Bret Guy Carpenter; and grandson, Harold Michael Gebhardt.

David is survived by his spouse, Iva Nell Willingham Kemp of Cleburne, TX; his daughters, Harolyn Luman of Little Elm, TX, Hildred Gebhardt of Joshua, TX, Holly Talley (Donald) of Summerset, PA, Helen Geyer (Emery) of Franklin, TN; his brother, Dennis (Debra) Kemp of Missouri; his grandchildren, Tiffany, Thomas, Jonathan, Charles, David (DJ), Jennifer, Donald, Elizabeth, Daniel, Derek, Nicholas; his great-grandchildren, Chance, James, William, Cora, Ayden, Travis, Reid, Westen, Isaiah, Kai., Donald, Everly,  and Salem;  and [his] nieces and nephews, Lance, Pamela, and Billy.

A funeral service will be held at Emerald Hills, 500 Kennedale Sublet Rd, Kennedale, TX 76060 at 1:00 PM, August 8, 2022. Visitation will be held at Emerald Hills, 3-5 PM, August 7, 2022. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at 1:00 PM, August 8, 2022.

Interment will be at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery 1pm Monday, August 15, 2022.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, Burleson Church of Christ, Shawnee Trail Church of Christ, Heart to Heart Hospice, Emerald Hills Funeral Home, and Veterans Affairs.

He was God’s faithful servant, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2