Rudolph J. Kemp

Rudolph J. Kemp “Baker” as he was fondly known among family and friends, at the age of 76 passed peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 after losing his battle with cancer. Rudolph was born on January 18, 1947 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma to the late Ross and Cammie-Smith Kemp. He often commented on the origin of his name given to him by his big sister Rosemary. It was the best Christmas ever that year! He lived in Pilot Point, Texas in his early years, spending time in Oklahoma with his family when he could. Like many families at that time, rural working, farm to farm mostly, Rudolph learned to use different types of machinery at a young age. With tutoring help and guidance from his big sister he kept up his education through the 10th grade. Rudolph began driving trucks across the country as a young adult continuing for 30 years as this was his favorite activity, traveling around seeing the big cities. He lived for many years in various places; Fresno, CA, Phoenix, AZ, St. Louis, MO but mostly in Gainesville, TX. He accepted Christ Jesus at an early age and was baptized at Old Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville serving on many committees throughout the years. He was still active through phone church with Pastor Lorne weekly until his death. His kindness, generosity and comedic sense of humor will never be forgotten. Some of his favorite words of wisdom, “I may not kick as high as I used to, but I can still kick. His father Ross “Tip Tap” “It can take 5 minutes to get into 50 years of trouble.” Brother John Allen, “You may not want to but you need to” Brother Warren “Monk”, “Don’t ever volunteer.” Rudolph enjoyed spending time with his family and friend’s eating good food at the old folk’s reunions and Juneteenth yearly celebrations. Watching the Dallas Cowboys, old westerns, Columbo, listening to music, old car restorations, cooking and home renovation shows were some of his favorite things to watch. Those he leaves to cherish his memories are his wife, Carmen of the home whom he met in 2003 at Sooner Food “Best bargain Ever”, marrying on June 29, 2012, sleep well my prince; 3 children, Wendell Kemp, Ramona Kemp, Anthony Kemp all of Gainesville; sister, Mattie Davenport of Los Angeles, CA; aunt, Janie Bell Smith of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rudolph was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Cammie Kemp; 6 siblings, Katherine, Armer Gene, Barbara, Rosemary, Warren and John. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. “Time is a gift of God, time is written in Volumes III The past, the present, the yet-to- be. The past is written and laid away, the present we are living day to day, the future the greatest of volumes. Three is hidden from sight, God holds the key.” Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, July 14, 2023 at DeArman - Clark Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Wynnewood, OK.

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Rudolph J. Kemp

January 18, 1947 - July 4, 2023