Walter "Bud" Kemper III

Bud was one of the best artists that I ever met. We worked at Maritz Motivation Company in Fenton for over 20 years together. He was always so kind and helpful to me as a young illustrator and taught me so very much about the business of being an illustrator. He actually used me as a model for a few of his paintings and I've always been grateful to have even known him. I idolized him as a mentor and great illustrator. He was always asked to do paintings that would WOW each and every client, and they always had a great unveiling of each of his projects and it was great to see the expressions on everyones face when they looked at his art. Simply amazing. He was a quiet man when he worked and loved painting with music in the background always. He always spoke of his wife Rhoda whom he adored and his children and grandchildren. I know that he was always a family man for sure. I truly adored this man and can't say enough of his kindness and generosity of his painting knowledge. I also know that Bud was a Christian and God welcomes him into his kingdom with open arms. Rest In Peace dear friend and God bless your lovely family. I'm so very glad and thankful to have met you and been your friend. Gods sweet blessings.

Bud and Maryann were in my parents' Sunday School class at Stephen Memorial UMC when I was a child. I remember Bud was a wonderful tenor in the choir. He also had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. I'm sure he's singing in the Heavenly Choir along with my Dad (John Hixson).

Bud and Rhoda have been our neighbors “around the corner” for at least 20 years. Many of those years we would talk to Bud as he seemed to be working in the yard whenever we were walking by. In more recent years, I (Mary) would see Bud and Rhoda walking quite early in the mornings. Our deepest sympathies to Rhoda and Bud’s family. Tom and Mary Finley

We live near Bud and always enjoyed his stories and wisdom. He was a delightful person, and we will always remember our interactions fondly

Bud was not only extremely talented, but a true gentleman. He will be missed in Manchester's church choirs. Our prayers are with the family,

As a neighbor of Bud and Rhoda, I was always happy to see them out in the driveway. Bud was always friendly and would chat when I would walk and see them out by the mailbox. Such a gentleman and

Blessed to have known Bud. He was a delightfully kind and talented gift to humanity. Family, friends and many will miss him.

Bud and I go way back enjoying many things together. Our Sunday school class used to get together many times for parties and games and dinners. They tried to keep us apart because we were known as the two cut-ups. Just recently talked to him on the phone. We recalled many memories. He will surely be missed by many people. Bye bye, Bud.

I am 72, and feel like I knew Bud my whole life. He and Maryann were in my dad and mom's Sunday school class at Stephan Memorial, and when Maryann died, he and Rhoda. It seemed as though we were always at some church function. When I married, Bud sang at our wedding. His beautiful voice would always send goose bumps up the back of my neck...just wonderful. The last time I saw Bud, was at my dad's funeral. I asked him to sing The Lord's Prayer, and he most graciously did. I just tracked him down a few weeks ago to get in touch with my mom. He called and they had a long, sweet conversation. Praise God! God bless and keep you, Rhoda and kids.

Bud had been a friend since we moved to 'St. Louis in 1961 where we met at Stepan Memorial UMC. We were in the same Sunday School Class and had many good times together over the years Loved listening to his beautiful voice especially on Christmas Eve.

Molly, Mike, Sheri, Diane, Lori
So sorry to hear about your dad passing away. He was a great guy!
My deepest sympathy to all,
Hollie Blatt Crocker

A good friend and neighbor in Woodson Terrace, later a fellow member of ManchesterUMC. Very talented in many areas.

May your Hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Years ago, my husband gave me a print of an odd-looking duck painting a self-portrait. The duck saw itself as a gorgeous swan. As a school counselor, that print held special meaning for me and the work done with students. I always wished ALL could see themselves as the swans they were and are. I never dreamt that I would meet the artist. I met Rhoda through choir, and began to put the pieces together. We had Bud sign several prints and gave them as special gifts to others in our profession. I cherish my friendship with Rhoda, and I cherished knowing Bud. He was a true Renaissance Man...beautiful voice, talented artist, kind, considerate, and fun. The tenor section of the Heavenly Choir just got a big voice. I'll never look at the beauty of the skies the same way again...painted by Bud Kemper.

I always enjoyed hearing Bud sing. Beautiful voice where he still sings in the heavenly choir. Malinda Westerlund

Bud's artwork and music ability were such blessings. I will always hear his beautiful tenor voice in my mind and smile along with his cheery disposition and his witticisms.

I enjoyed singing tenor with Bud in the Manchester Methodist choir. His beautiful voice will be missed.

It was my great joy to sing with Bud for over 20 years in Chancel and Coventry Choirs at Manchester UMC. He had a gorgeous tenor voice, and I never saw him without a smile on his face. I will truly miss seeing him on Tuesday nights. My heart goes out to Rhoda and Bud’s family.

Bud has been a friend for 20 years and I was privileged to know him and sing with him. I am so sorry he is gone. But I have his tenor voice in my mind and will think of him often. My condolences to Rhoda and the whole family.

The short time I knew Bud was an honor. He was a real gentleman. He will be missed.

The unique sound of Bud’s tenor voice will forever be remembered as will his spectacular paintings. He was a dapper gentleman with a fun sense of humor who lived his Christianity. He’ll be truly missed in Manchester United Methodist Church Chancel and Coventry choirs.

He was a great man and a great father-in-law he will be missed.
Keith Kientzle