Wednesday, May 9th, 1951 - Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
A Celebration of Life Service for Jerry E. Kemph, age 70, of Enid, OK will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 4, 2022 at Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Rev. Vernon Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home in Enid, OK.
Jerry was born May 9, 1951, in Enid, OK to Eldon L. Kemph and Dorothy (Wiggins) Kemph, and passed away on February 1, 2022 in Enid, OK.
Jerry passed away after a lengthy illness. Just like he did with all experiences in life, Jerry managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his family who he adored and loved more than anything in the world.
Jerry was raised in Enid and graduated from Enid High School in 1969. From an early age, Jerry had a passion for sports, especially baseball. Jerry stood out as a highly talented baseball player during his years at Enid High School. He was awarded second team All-State honors during his senior year. Jerry’s athletic ability in baseball led him to Oklahoma State University, where he played two years for the OSU Cowboys. Jerry graduated from OSU in 1975 with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. With continued success on the baseball field at OSU, his talent caught the eye of legendary Major League Baseball scout, Tony Robello. Jerry received a letter of interest from the Cincinnati Reds organization.
After a long and successful baseball career, Jerry continued his love of sports by playing softball. Jerry played for the Ten Old Men at numerous softball tournaments, not only in Oklahoma but across the United States. Jerry was inducted into the Oklahoma Amateur Softball Hall of Fame in 1995 because of his talents on the field as a player.
Jerry worked for his father Eldon for over 40 years at the family-owned heating and air conditioning business, Kemph-Munsinger Company. After the closure of Kemph-Munsinger in 2009, he opened his own sheet metal company. Jerry was very skilled at his profession. Both Jerry and his work were highly respected in Enid. His 40+ years in the heating and air business was an asset to his youngest son, Jared, as he started his own heating and air-conditioning business. After retiring from his sheet metal business, Jerry worked as a bus driver for the Enid Public Schools for several years.
On September 26, 1980 Jerry married Susan Petersen in Enid, OK. and they have three sons who he loved tremendously, Ryan, Tyler, and Jared. Jerry spent countless hours with his three sons. As an avid hunter, Jerry used his profound knowledge of the outdoors to teach his sons respect for the land as well as hunting skills. Memorable times were made every Fall while sitting in a deer stand and enjoying the company of one another. Jerry always appreciated being outside enjoying the beauty of nature with his family. He also coached several of his son’s sports teams throughout their childhood. Jerry was a huge supporter of his children and could be found at all their church events, Boy Scouts, and school activities. The family enjoyed spending numerous weekends hunting, fishing and camping together.
Later in life Jerry earned the title of Grandpa/Papa. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren. Time with the grandchildren usually involved: playing outside, going to the donut shop, watching OSU football, giving baseball tips, watching their sporting events, and playing with toys in the living room. Papa’s lap was always the best place to get hugs.
This short obituary cannot express how much Jerry loved his family and how much his family loved him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Dorothy Kemph.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, three sons, Ryan and wife Penny, Tyler and wife Jennifer, Jared and wife Amanda, sister Karla Kemph, brother Dennis and Johnette Kemph and six grandchildren.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
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