Chester Lawrence "Larry" Kemp passed away on Thursday, January3, at the age of 71. Larry was born in Austin, Texas on January 14, 1947 to Boone Edwin Kemp and Dorothy Mae Kieke Kemp. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas and served in the U.S. Navy. He first served in the Naval Reserve and then active duty Navy from January 21, 1966 to January 16, 1969 and earned the National Defense Service Medal. Larry also attended college for three years.

On February 15, 1968 Larry married Sheila Mae Harrell at the First Baptist Church in Austin. They were blessed with two children Heather and Joshua.

Larry worked for the City of Austin for over 30 years. He started working on a survey crew and worked his way up to Engineering Coordinator. In 1978 Larry served on the original city council for Leander as well as serving an additional term of office.

Larry is survived by his wife Sheila Harrell Kemp, of Mason, two children Heather Kemp of Austin and Joshua Kemp and wife Amy Branecky of Austin, a brother David Kemp and wife Ginger of Austin and two grandchildren Elijah and Shiloh Dickinson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation wil be Tuesday morning, January 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at River of Life Church in Mason. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Dave Benefield leading the service. After the church service military honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy and the Mason VFW-American Legion.

Graveside service and burial will be held on Thursday, January 10, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lebanon Cemetery in McRae, Arkansas.