Charles Kemp

Born March 24th, 1933 in Canton, Ohio. Son of Edward and Zelma Marie Kemp. Brother to Donald & Harry and sisters Dorothy Clapper, Florence Rose, Grace, Jeanne.
Working as an usher at the Loew’s Theater in Canton, Ohio, Charles met the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Cole. They married on October 14, 1953 and were blessed with three
daughters: Debra A. Berard (Thomas), Linda L. Reed (Donald), and Ronna L. Kemp. Grandfather to Jason Tornero (Yolanda) and Kylee Reed, Great Grandfather to Dylan
Tornero. Having enlisted at only age 17, Charles courageously served in the United States Army (Corporal, X Corp) in the Korean War at the Battle of Lake Changjin. Subsequently, he
was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement along with the Purple Heart. After serving his country, Charles attended barber school and went on to successfully own
and operate his own barber shop, Fulton Drive, for over 25 years. Following their time in Ohio, the Kemp family moved to Illinois. It is there where Charles went on to work for the
Belvidere Water Department, retiring after 17 years. Survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandson. Preceding him in death were his father, mother, brothers, and sisters; beloved dogs, Snoopy and Trixie, along with many friends and brothers-in-arms. Charles was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held Thursday, August 3 rd , 2023 from 12:30-1:30pm at the Belvidere Funeral Home (203 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, Illinois). Service will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss. Charles will be laid to rest with full military honors in a private ceremony. His family urges those wishing to honor Charles’ memory to please make donations to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (4601 Forbes Blvd. Suite #130 Lanham, MD 20706).