David E. Kemp

David Everett Kemp passed away quietly in his sleep the morning of January 16th, 2026 in his family home in Sedalia, Missouri. Those in his day to day life had seen him in good spirits with his beaming smile before he found his peace by taking a final eternal rest. He is one with the universe again. He will be missed, but more importantly loved and remembered by friends, family, and close caretakers.

David was born as a middle child in Sedalia to Everett and Ruth (Myers) Kemp in December of 1952. He attended Smith-Cotton and Sacred Heart High school while competing in Football, Basketball, and Track and Field. He ran for coach Gladback and survived running behind his truck in the fields for training…hands taped. After graduating with a knee injury he started college in Warrensburg at University of Central Missouri, then Central Missouri State University. He concurrently worked the lumber yard of his Uncle Byron to make ends meet. Though mobility on campus was tough, David was inspired by an Invertebrate Zoology course. He was a self-proclaimed Jean-Michel Cousteau fanatic, so he had to choose a coast that would ultimately be home to his family. He considered programs in Oregon, Washington, and Florida.

After choosing the “West Coast, Best Coast” and moving to continue school at University of Oregon, David eventually settled in the coastal community, Coos Bay, to attend the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. This allowed him to pursue his passion of whale watching in the Pacific. Photography skills developed in Missouri proved to be invaluable to document whale migration, nature, and family endeavors. He had just 24 hours left to achieve a Biology Major and Chemistry Minor. When his father, Everett, passed away, taking care of his younger brother Bruce became the priority. Although this strain meant that David could not finish his credits towards his degree, life provided an opportunity for creation.

“The Missing Thirty Years”: David manifested a successful drapery business that thrived and created local connections. As a 3 sport athlete recovering from injuries in college, fitness goals led to gym flirtations and eventually marriage to Donna Brownel. David willfully adopted and raised her son, Andrew Sprague. In October, 1992, David and Donna welcomed their newborn son, Blake Everett Kemp, to the world. David’s life provided many opportunities to gain even more altruism. He adapted a set of values that will pass through generations. David gave everything to his family and business.

Blake appreciates the devotion that David had for everyone in his life. After marriage and divorce, he continued to raise Blake and his older half-brother as his own before eventually moving back to Missouri in the early 2000’s to take care of his mother, Ruth, due to her vision decline. As close siblings now, Blake and Andrew share the memories of shooting rockets, playing music, and relaxing to IMDB’s top 250 list when visiting David, who was a connoisseur of great movies and music. These selections shaped the lives of his sons and they are forever grateful.

David was a spirited singer of showtunes with his powerful and booming bass voice. He learned this passion in theatre groups in college before moving to Oregon. He also developed his fervor as a carpenter which led to projects such as dovetail joints, amplifier/speaker boxes, fences, and ultimately cabinet making. When the weather did not agree with working in his shop, he enjoyed keeping up with advancements in electronics. David built and repaired computers, including one for his son. He could fabricate and code almost anything with a breadboard and an Arduino from moisture sensors for plants to quadcopters for fun. This was before one could buy a prebuilt drone. David also constructed a headphone amp and Tesla Coil for his son, Blake’s, high school and college graduation respectively. The knowledge and gifts passed down inspired his son to follow his path to University of Oregon and receive a Physics and Math Degree, later becoming a teacher to share expertise just like his father would.

David was a lifetime researcher, learner, and giver of knowledge; he could always boil down a complex idea into “the rule of thumb” and “you see…the bottom line is.” If he developed a passion nothing would get in his way, but time and other projects. His energy would fill the room and his presence was heartfelt. His son, Blake’s, fondest memories are hearing “HOT COFFEE” in the morning before being sat on as a child, getting a personal record in Pole Vault in the Heptathlon during a college Track Meet Dad could drive to and spectate, and showing him and Aunt Dixie his first classroom and school during their last trip to Oregon.

David is survived by one son, Blake, of Coos Bay, Oregon.

There will be a celebration of life in late June or early July when friends and extended family can reminisce and share stories. One can reach out to Blake Kemp on Facebook for details.

David Everett Kemp - “Let no good deed go unpunished”

And yet he committed to good deeds…

“Post Tenebras…Lucem Spero” - Kemp Family Motto