Thomas Gary Kemper

August 17, 1946 – October 9, 2026

Thomas Gary Kemper, known affectionately to his family and friends as Gary, passed away on October 9, 2026, at the age of 80.

Gary was born on August 17, 1946, in Kerrville, Texas, to Rex and Evelyn Kemper. He grew up in La Porte, Texas, alongside his older sister, Carolyn. Raised by kind and loving parents, Gary enjoyed a happy childhood filled with memories he cherished throughout his life. He graduated from La Porte High School in 1964 and attended San Jacinto College before continuing his education at Stephen F. Austin State College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business in 1969.

On May 24, 1968, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Carol Fountain. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage, building a loving life together and raising their two children, Carrie and Michael.

From November 1969 to November 1971, Gary served in the United States Army as a communications specialist during the Vietnam War era. While stationed in Japan, he developed a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. He enjoyed exploring Tokyo and visiting historic sites throughout the country.

Gary spent his entire career working for DuPont at the La Porte plant. He began as an operator and was later promoted to a supervisory position. Due to medical reasons, he later transitioned to a senior warehouse operator role before retiring in 2005.

Gary was a member of Parkview Church of Christ in Pasadena, Texas. He especially enjoyed leading congregational singing and serving as an unofficial greeter.

Gary was a kind and generous man with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved making others laugh and spending time with family and friends. After retirement, he especially enjoyed playing 42 with his friends. Gary enjoyed watching all kinds of sports, with college football holding a special place in his heart.

He also had a lifelong interest in model trains, a hobby he enjoyed sharing with his children and grandchildren. Gary loved traveling with his family, especially the summer road trips they took across the country. These adventures created lasting memories that his wife and children continue to cherish.

Above all, Gary loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasured time with those closest to him. He shared a special bond with his nieces, Lisa and Libby, whom he loved dearly, and he enjoyed being part of his extended family's lives.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Carol Kemper, of Deer Park, Texas; his daughter, Carrie Allen, and her husband, Ricky, of Pearland, Texas; and his son, Michael Kemper, of

Southlake, Texas. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jacob and Connor Allen, and Marin and Stella Kemper; his beloved nieces, Lisa Nelson and Libby Nelson Hopper; his grandnieces and grandnephews; and his great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Evelyn Kemper, and his sister, Carolyn Nelson.

Gary will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering love for his family. The memories he created and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation with the family will be held on October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grand View Funeral Home Chapel in Pasadena, Texas. Funeral services will follow immediately afterward at 11:00 a.m. Gary will be laid to rest at 3:00 p.m. at Grand View Memorial Park, near his parents, Rex and Evelyn Kemper, and his sister, Carolyn Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Gary's memory to the GBS | CIDP Foundation International or the National Kidney Foundation. Both causes are especially meaningful to his family, as these conditions personally affected his life.