Arthur L. KEMP

1920 - 2013

Arthur Lawrence Kemp, 93, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and formerly of Hartford, Windsor Locks and Suffield, CT, died Wednesday, (November 13, 2013). He was born November 10, 1920, in Hartford, CT, the only son of the late John B. and Eda Lawrence Kemp. He was predeceased by his wife, Clarys MacCaul Kemp. He leaves four children: Holly Roy and her husband, Norm, formerly of Suffield, CT; Larry Kemp and his wife, Ginger, of Ooltewah, TN; Cheryl Perkins and her husband, Gary, of Hudson, NH and Marana, AZ; and Nadine Erskine and her husband, Hollis, of Myrtle Beach, SC. He also leaves eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is survived by his youngest sister, Shirley Kemp of Vernon, CT. He was predeceased by sisters Arthena Chapman of Wethersfield, Irene LaJoie of Hartford and Frances Marcovicz of West Hartford. Art attended the former Washington Street grade school in Hartford and graduated in 1938 from the original Bulkeley High School. In the late 1930s he went to work at Savitt Jewelers and during World War II worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft until 1943 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Art served in the southwest Pacific and was part of the occupation force sent into Japan following that nation's surrender. In 1946, he was discharged at the rank of staff sergeant. He was a proud member of the 24th Infantry Division and a charter member of the 24th Infantry Division Association. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter Badge. After the war, he spent 39 years with Travelers Insurance Co. in Hartford, retiring as chief agency registrar. He sang with Travelers Choral Club and was club president several years. He was also a longtime member and Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Art was a member and deacon emeritus at First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Suffield, and formerly a member of the Advent Christian Church in Hartford. He held many offices in both churches and Superintendent of the Church School in Suffield for many years. Art was also a member and past president of the 'Tired Mens' Club of Suffield, member and past president of the Enfield Inter-Church Bowling League, and a member of RSVP, greeting visitors to Connecticut at Bradley International Airport. He was a lifetime blood donor, beginning during the war and continuing back in Connecticut, donating more than 65 pints and encouraging coworkers and family members to do the same. A memorial service will be held at First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Suffield on Saturday, November 23, at 2 p.m. Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Clarys Kemp Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Church of Christ, 81 High St., Suffield, CT, 06078. The fund was established by Carole and Steven Spinelli to honor Clarys' love of music and her interest in helping First Church students pursue careers in music. Mrs. Kemp developed the youth music and handbell program at First Church, serving as director more than 20 years.