Thomas Alan Kemp Obituary (1931 - 2021)

Thomas Alan Kemp went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 12, 2021, at the age of 90. Thomas will be remembered as a kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. "Papa Tom" was the center of family text and Face time communication until the day the Lord called him home. Tom was born in Falmouth Kentucky on April 19, 1931, to Faye and Lenora Kemp. As a teenager, he discovered the pharmacy business while working at Moreland Drug Store in Falmouth. He began as a livestock supply salesman and worked his way up to "soda jerk", quickly he was promoted to label typist and finally, pharmacy clerk. The owner of Moreland Drug was so impressed with young Tom's ability in the pharmacy, he loaned Tom the money to attend and ultimately graduate from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kentucky. In August of 1953, Tom was drafted into service with the United States Army. Tom's service to our country brought him and his new wife Lois to Yuma Arizona where Tom served as a Pharmacist for the Yuma Proving Ground. Upon discharge from the service in 1956, Tom moved to Holtville California to join Parker's Pharmacy. Over the next four decades, Tom and his second wife Mona owned and operated Adam's Drug in Brawley, Imperial Drug in El Centro, and finally North End Drug in Calipatria. Tom ended his career as a pharmacist with 21 years of service to the Calipatria State Prison where he retired at the age of 84. For many years Tom enjoyed his large garden where he grew vegetables, blackberries, and Medjool dates. He belonged to the Brawley Lion's Club and worked many Cattle Call Chuckwagon breakfasts. Tom enjoyed camping, fishing, reading, and watching NASCAR and Padres baseball. Papa Tom liked family game night where he enjoyed Dominos, Rummikub, and any other games that required his sharp mind. Tom enjoyed family gatherings at home and destinations such as Captiva Island Florida, Big Bear Mountains, and San Diego. These trips allowed him to spend quality time with his children and their families along with his Sister Doris and Brother Paul. Tom was an active member of Valley Baptist Church in Brawley where he served for three decades as a teacher to the adult Sunday School class. Tom's faithfulness will always be remembered by his church family. Tom is survived by Mona Kemp, his wife of 51 years, sister Doris Kemp of Louisville Kentucky, and brother Paul Kemp of Jacksonville Florida. Tom is also survived by his five children Donna Emerick, Darla Schmidt (Jose), Alan Kemp (Theresa), Sheila Leptich (Kurt), Ryan Kemp (Laurie). Papa Tom is survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Jess Weixler Brocklebank, Jeremy Schmidt, Justin Schmidt, Sara Leptich, Katie Bost, Jordan Schmidt, Sydney Kemp, Kayla Kemp, Bradyn Kemp. Great-grandchildren include Jayden Schmidt, Beatrice Brocklebank, Jace Schmidt, and Oliver Stockham. He is predeceased by his parents Faye and Lenora Kemp, son Charles "Eddie" Brown A celebration of life will be held at 11 am Friday, November 26, 2021, at Valley Baptist Church, 701 B Street in Brawley.