Obituary of W.M & Merle Katie Kemp

W.M & Merle Katie Kemp October 15, 1928 - November 02, 2013 Funeral services for W. M. Kemp, 85, and Merle Kemp, 81, of Jal, New Mexico will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at 10:00 am at Calvary Baptist Church in Jal, NM with Bro. Alan Speed officiating. Burial will follow at Jal Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. W.M. was born on October 15, 1928 in Gorman, Texas to George L. and Kinnie Elizabeth (Sparkman) Kemp and Merle was born on November 12, 1931 in Toxey, Alabama to Andrew and Leila (Jenkins) Jackson and both passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2013 as a result of a vehicle accident. W. M. and Merle were married on June 10, 1995 in Jal and had shared many happy years together. They were active members of Calvary Baptist Church and were held in high esteem in the community. W. M. had retired from El Paso Natural Gas Co as an Area Superintendent and Merle had been a police dispatcher and was also employed at Whitworth Hardware for many years. W. M. and Merle were lucky enough to find each other and love for a second time. They enjoyed traveling and blue grass festivals. Gardening was a passion of Merle’s and W.M. spent his spare time wood working. Spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight of their lives. W.M. was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Pauline (Algood) Kemp; four sisters and one brother. Merle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cotton Calhoun; four brothers and one sister. They are survived by their combined children, six daughters: Cheryl & husband Kelly Choban of Aledo, TX, Terri and husband David McColloch of Midland, TX , Jackie Kemp of Katy, TX, Dorinda and husband Ronnie Shanks of Jal, Rhonda Danford of Eunice, NM, Barbara and husband Tommy Lydick of Eunice and one son Kevin and wife Chasity Kemp of Midland, TX. W.M. is also survived by one brother: James and wife Faye Kemp of White Oak, TX and Merle is also survived by two sisters: Bessie and husband Jimmy Collins of Douglasville, Georgia and Dora Allen of Toxey, Alabama. They shared thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and a host of friends. Their presence will be greatly missed by all who knew them. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.