Clarence William Kemp

Our dear father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully, at the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, UT and returned to his Heavenly Father on October 29, 2018 at the age of 93.
Clarence was born February 13, 1925 to Mary and Chester Gleed Kemp in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was raised in Johnstonville, California where he showed himself to be a responsible and hard worker. Throughout his school years he was an exceptional student graduating valedictorian of his high school class. After high school he attended the University of California Berkeley prior to enlisting in the US Army where he served in the Army Corp of Engineers from 1943 to 1946. Following the end of World War II, he was again stationed at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, UT where he had previously met Mary Spafford. After his return they were married on June 14, 1946. Marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on September 2, 1947. Together they raised five sons: Charles, Earl, James, John, and Clarence. Clarence received his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah and worked as a Structural Civil Engineer for Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. The family relocated from Salt Lake City to Chicago in 1955. His beloved wife, Mary, passed away on March 28, 1964 following a long battle with breast cancer. On August 7, 1967 Clarence married Louise Baker. After retiring, Clarence and Louise moved back to Utah to be closer to family. Louise passed away on December 31, 1997.
Clarence spent his life devoted to his family. He wanted to be sure his sons were raised with a strong work ethic, love of education, respect for others, an appreciation of their heritage, and a desire to always live life with moral and ethical clarity. He was a great example and a mentor to all with whom he associated. He dearly loved his children, their spouses and especially his treasured grandchildren. He was a warm and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor which he displayed through his last days. He had an enduring testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived his life in harmony with gospel teachings. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served throughout his life in many church callings giving countless hours of service. He battled Multiple Sclerosis for 58 years and was a valiant warrior until the end. When asked about his longevity, in spite of his condition, he would reply because I am stubborn and Cherokee!
Clarence is survived by three sons, Charles (Janice), Maricopa, AZ; Earl (Sandy), Farmington, UT; James (Beverly), Castle Rock, CO; a sister, Laura Blickenstaff, Reno, NV; 22 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by our Mother; Mary (40); Stepmother Louise (62); two sons, John (41) and Clarence (59); two infant twin grandsons Benjamin and Clarence, a granddaughter Terissa and a great grandson Benjamin.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful support staff at the Central Utah Veterans Home for their overwhelming compassion and the dedication they demonstrated while providing for Clarence’s care. Their loving kindness and devotion will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be Thursday, November 8, 2018, 11:00am at Memorial Redwood Estates, 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT. There will be a viewing for family and friends on Wednesday, November 7 from 6-8pm and again prior to the funeral starting at 10:00am at this same location. Interment will be at Memorial Redwood Estates.
Service Information
Viewing November 7, 2018 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123





Viewing November 8, 2018 at 10:00 - 10:45 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123





Funeral Service
November 8, 2018 at 11:00 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123