Larry Douglas Kemp

Larry Douglas Kemp was born on July 27, 1943 in Healdton, Oklahoma to Oren and Oma (Hester) Kemp.  He had one older brother Kenneth Kemp. Larry grew up  in Wilson, Oklahoma and graduated from Wilson High School in 1961.

Larry married his high school sweetheart Guindelyn Ann Henson on September 28, 1963.  With their marriage Larry gained a second brother (in-law) in Guinn’s brother, Doug Henson.  Larry and Guinn had their only child, Jack Douglas Kemp in 1969.  Larry gained a “daughter-in-love” and  extended European family in 2000 when Jack married Jozefina “Acee” Matosevic.  Larry and Acee had a special relationship.  Larry also had many friends.  He seemed to leave an impression on everyone he interacted with from co-workers, church family, neighbors and even doctors.  Larry was surrounded by family and friends when he went Home to be with Lord on April 22, 2023.

After high school, Larry joined the US Army Reserve (Artillery) and was honorably discharged in 1969.  He also obtained employment with Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) in 1961.  He was employed by OG&E for 44 years, serving as a lineman, inspector, and liaison between OG&E and the tree trimming companies that kept the lines clear.  For this he had to become a licensed arborist.  During that time, he enjoyed the regular helicopter flights to inspect the power lines.  While working for OG&E, he and a co-worker were recognized for performing CPR and saving another co-worker’s life who had been electrocuted.  He retired from OG&E in 2005.

Larry came to Christ in high school but rededicated his life in the 1970’s and started faithfully attending and participating in church, first at First Baptist Newalla and then at Emmanuel Baptist Church, McLoud, where he was a charter member.  If the church doors were open, Larry was there.  In 1989 Larry was ordained as a deacon at Emmanuel Baptist where he served until his home-going.  Larry also served on the building committee, was treasurer for many years and, perhaps more importantly, door greeter, welcoming everyone to the The Lord’s House with a smile and often a joke.  Larry had also been a 32nd Degree Mason for 50 years, thought he was not always active.

Larry had simple values.  There is right and there is wrong…you do right regardless of the consequences.  Larry was a servant.  He faithfully served his country, his employer, his neighbors, his church and his God.

Larry is survived by his wife Guinn and children,  Jack and Acee as well as his nephew Steven Kemp.  He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Glenna Henson, their children, Joshua Henson and Amanda Armstrong and their families.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, his grandson, Andrew Douglas Kemp and brother-in-law, Billy Henson.

Pallbearers will be Jack Kemp, Jason Bolt, Joshua Henson, Eric Armstrong, Steven Kemp and Mario Kezic. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lucky Seaton, Jim Lovelace, Mike Wilson and Ivica Uvalic.

Visitation will be 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2023 and continue through service time.  Service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, McLoud, OK with Reverend James Bond, First Baptist Church, Stroud, OK and Reverend John Straughn, First Baptist Church, Thackerville, OK officiating. Burial will follow at Hewitt Cemetery in Wilson, OK under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.