Ronnie Willard Kemper

Ronnie Willard Kemper, son of the late Monte Willard and Frankie Naomi (Barron) Kemper, was born Jan. 21, 1947, in Mountain Grove. He entered into eternal rest on Aug. 28, 2025, in Springfield, at the age of 78. Ronnie grew up in Mountain Grove and graduated with the Mountain Grove High School Class of 1965. He worked with his grandpa Kemper on the dairy and beef farm for several years following high school. He was united in marriage to Marimartha Dishman on April 3, 1970, at the First Free Will Baptist Church of Mountain Grove. Two sons were born to this union: Ronnie Dale and Daniel Ray. Ronnie began working for the Mountain Grove R-III School District in 1976. He devoted 49 years of service to the school district maintaining the floors of all the buildings. Ronnie was saved and baptized at a young age and remained faithful to Jesus Christ throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Mountain Grove. Ronnie enjoyed working on the farm. When he wasn’t working he liked visiting state parks and hiking trails in Arkansas. Ronnie loved spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Besides his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Ann Gann. Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marimartha Kemper; sons, Ronnie D. Kemper and wife, Jeanie, and Daniel Kemper; two grandchildren, Shawn Kemper and wife, Kahley, and Jennifer Watts, and husband, Colten; three great-grandchildren, Eestin, Emerson and Navy Watts; and many other relatives and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
Funeral services for Ronnie W. Kemper were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025, in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove with the Rev. Stanley Jones and Pastor James Hurt officiating. Special songs were “Beulah Land,” “When They Ring The Golden Bells” and “I’ll Fly Away” by Ray and Teresa Bradley. Serving as pallbearers were Ronnie D. Kemper, Daniel Kemper, Shawn Kemper, Larry Dishman, Jerry Dishman and Randy Delcour. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.