Kemper, Freddie

Freddie Don Kemper, 72, died Sunday, May 28, 2006 at his residence in Hobbs.

Mr. Kemper was born Oct. 28, 1933 in Callahan County, Texas to George and Ada Lacey Kemper.

He grew up in the Denton Valley and graduated from Clyde High School. He attended South Plains College in Levelland. He served in the U.S. Army and upon discharge was an E-3, Specialist 1st Class. He worked for the El Paso Natural Gas Company from 1952 until his retirement in 1992. He became a Mason in Sonora, Texas in 1964 and was active in the Masonic Lodge all his life, joining the Hobbs Lodge in recent years. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving in the Jal chapter for many years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hobbs. He was an avid sportsman, a member of the National Rifle Association, a collector of coins and stamps and loved his dog “Wylie,” according to family.

Mr. Kemper was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lenard, Raymond and V.W. Kemper and a sister, Thelma Jennings.

Mr. Kemper is survived by his wife; two daughters; Karen (husband Bob) Jackson of Hobbs and Karole (Danny) Hunt of Weatherford, Texas; a brother: Ross Kemper of San Angelo, Texas; two sisters, Rosie Yost of Abilene, Texas and Madelyn Dugan of Clyde, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Wylene Kemper of Big Spring, Texas and Erma Faye Kemper of Clyde, Texas; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation period from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home and from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church.

Steve Chappell and Russell Hill will officiate services.

Burial will follow in Grady.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Masonic Cancer Fund, The First United Methodist Church Cancer Fund or Vista Care Hospice.

Arrangements are by Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home of Lovington.