Ronald Kemp

Ronald Nuburn Kemp, age 82 went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 9, 2019, at his home. Ron was born July 23, 1936, in Cyril, Oklahoma, to Luther and Lois Kemp. He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Lois Kemp and his brother Rudy. He is survived by his wife Lou Thelen Peterson Kemp, son and daughter-in-law Ronald Nuburn Kemp Jr. and Marjorie Ann Kemp; son and daughter-in-law Luther Harrold Kemp and Peggy Anne Campbell-Kemp; son and daughter-in-law Wesley Don Kemp and Marla Jo Kemp; Grandchildren: Serenity Wilson and husband Charles; Levi Kemp and wife Diana; Laura Kemp, Erin Kemp, Tyler Kemp, Landon Kemp, Rylee Hayes and husband Brian, and 8 Great-grandchildren. Ron graduated from Cyril High School in 1954 and graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1958. While attending OBU, he met his future wife of 62 years, Lou Thelen Peterson. Ron and Lou were married on August 3, 1957. After graduating from OBU he entered Southwestern Theological Seminary where he obtained a Bachelor of Divinity. They moved to Huntsville, Texas, in 1962, where he served as pastor of two churches. While in Huntsville, he obtained his Master’s in Treatment and Social Services and he worked as an Alcoholic and Drug specialist for the Texas Department of Corrections. Ron was a lifelong learner and the family often teased that if he could find a way to make a living as a career student, he would have done so. In 1969, he accepted a position as a Chaplain at Southwest Baptist College where he also moved into the classroom to teach in the Sociology and Psychology Department. In 1976, he obtained the Distinguished Teacher Award. Later that year, he went to work for the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in their division of Christian Psychological and Family Services as a counselor for Southwest Missouri. In 1979, he went into private practice with Associates for Counseling and Consultation. After several years, Ron returned to school at Midwestern Theological Seminary and earned his Doctor of Ministry. In July of 1985, he founded Family Institute of the Ozarks in Bolivar. He also served as an adjunct professor at SBU, Drury, Evangel, and Forrest Institute of Professional Psychology. From 1991 through 2008 he shared his insights into family relationships by way of the Bolivar Harold Free Press through his weekly column, ‘Family Matters.’ Ron continued to practice at Family Institute of the Ozarks until his retirement in 2008. Following his retirement, he spent his time with family and traveling. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 50 years. He was a member of the Bolivar Optimist Club where he had perfect attendance for many years. He was a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and served as President for a time. Ronald was a consistent example of a kind spirit and always showed compassion. He never seemed to complain and was always concerned with helping others. He always strived to make this world a better place. He spent the greater part of 56 years of his life either encouraging people through their spiritual walk or counseling families. Ronald’s spirit and legacy will continue to live on through the myriad of lives he impacted in his God-blessed time on this earth. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the SBU Ronald N. Kemp Scholarship Fund. Visitation for Ronald will be Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Butler Funeral Home. Services will be Sunday, April 14, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, Bolivar, Missouri. A graveside service will be held privately.

Ronald Kemp

July 23, 1936 - April 9, 2019