Donald Edward Kemp

Donald Edward Kemp, 89, of Covina, California, passed away in his sleep at 9:55PM on Wednesday, March 28th at The West Covina Health Center in West Covina, CA due to complications from a stroke and overall declining health.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Erastus Kemp; his mother, Leola Black, his step-father Claude Black, and his son, Karl (Kai) Kemp. Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Corinne; his sons Kurt (Shizuko), Kris (Robbie), and Kraig (Christina) Kemp; his grandchildren Michael, Talia, Eva, Karlye, and Kailee Kemp; his great granddaughter Amara and his brother Glenn (Terri) Black.

Don was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on February 16, 1929. He spent his youth in El Dorado and Galveston, Texas. He spent his adolescence in Long Beach, California and graduated from Long Beach Poly High School in 1947. Don and Corinne were married on September 5th, 1954. Don Graduated from San Jose State University in 1955 and began his family life and teaching career in Covina in 1956, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Don served his country in the Naval Reserves for 12 years. He taught wood shop, metal shop, work experience and PE at Covina High School for 35 years and coached the JV and Varsity baseball teams for 15 of those years, winning many championships. He also taught driver’s training for 25 years. He was an accomplished welder and machinist. After retiring from teaching he was a counselor at Tri-Community Adult Education for another 24 years. He also served others as a counselor and sponsor in 12-step programs for the last 28 years of his life. He was deeply respected by all who knew him. In his long career, he mentored over 10,000 students and was able to offer a hand up to many who were in one way or another, held down. Besides helping others, his biggest passions were baseball and trips to the sand dunes with his dune buggy, wife and friends. His greatest assets were his patience, kindness, and quick-witted sense of humor.

A viewing will be held at Oakdale Mortuary, 1401 South Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740, from 5:30 – 9:00PM on Monday, April 9th, 2018. A public memorial service will be held for Don at the Covina United Methodist Church, 437 W San Bernardino Rd, Covina CA, 91723 at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 28th, 2018.