George Parker Kemp Obituary (1932 - 2024)

George Parker Kemp, 91, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully at 1:45 AM on August 5th, 2024, at Martin Health Care, surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, 514 S. Pine Street, Lexington with Rev. Michael Pitzer officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lexington Park District and Northwestern Memorial Foundation. Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home is assisting the family with services. Born in Bloomington, Illinois, on September 23, 1932, Parker was the son of Glenn and Rozanne (Parker) Kemp. He graduated from Lexington High School and earned degrees in Civil Engineering and Business from the University of Colorado. Parker proudly served in the Air Force and National Guard from 1955 to 1962 as a member of the 170th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 183rd Wing, where he flew F84F jets—a passion that remained close to his heart throughout his life. In 1955, he began working at the Kemp family grain elevator in Lexington, Illinois. In 1966, he started his banking career and served as President of Peoples Bank of Lexington from 1973 until 1993. He was also actively involved in various banking institutions, including serving as a director for Lexington Bank, Peoples Bank, Commerce Bank, and Grundy Bank, and he held a trustee position at Illinois Wesleyan University. In the early 1960s, Parker formed a committee and worked closely with the community to establish the Lexington Park District, which included a community pool. This project marked his first philanthropic endeavor, and he took immense pride in it. He also served as the board president of the Lexington Park District. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the Chestnut Board, further exemplifying his commitment to community service. He is survived by five children: René (James) Shaffer, Christopher Kemp (Julie Jenson), Shannon Kemp (Jason Logan), Antoinette (Scott) Jenkins, and Nicholas (Jennifer) Kemp. He is also survived by four beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie Jenkins (Kalder Jameson), Zachary Jenkins (Caileen Calvert), Wiley Kemp, and Genevieve Kemp, along with four bonus grandchildren, the children of James Shaffer. Additionally, he leaves behind the mother of his children, Anita Ackerman, along with loved ones from a previous marriage. Doug (Lori) Colclasure, and their two children, as well as his stepdaughter-in-law, Sue Colclasure, and her two daughters, who were cherished members of his extended family. His devoted assistant of 35 years, Penny Brown, who was like a daughter to him, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his family. Parker’s legacy of love for his family, his passion for traveling the world with them, his contributions to the community, and his passion for flying will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.