Paul Zane Kemp passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020.
He was born November 6, 1928 in Steen’s log cabin at Apache Creek, New Mexico, to Benjamin William Kemp and Mary Jewell Johnson. He attended Reserve Union High School in Reserve, New Mexico. He was Salutatorian of his graduating class. During the war years he worked for the Forest Service as lookout, trail worker and fire guard. In 1946, he entered New Mexico Highlands University and majored in pre-forestry. Due to a knee injury, he changed his major to Art. He received a BA in 1950 and returned that fall to work toward a MA but was drafted that November. He served in the Second Armored Division as an armored infantryman and was sent to the German Occupation Forces. His art worked on in the company day room enabled him to win first place in the division until the requirement of a pool table was made, none of the company day rooms were large enough to accommodate one.
After being discharged, he returned to Highlands for his MA and then taught art for three years at Montezuma County High School in Cortez, Colorado. In 1958, he attended Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and received his MFA in 1960.
In 1961, Mr. Kemp joined the Art Department at Baylor University. The major duties included crafts (except ceramics), three-dimensional design, drawing and sculpture. At various times he taught painting, printmaking, life drawing and sections of art education. Mr. Kemp was a Charter Member of the Faculty Senate. He retired after 36 years at Baylor University.
Mr. Kemp was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin William Kemp and Mary Jewell Johnson; his first wife, Lois Kelley Graham; his second wife; Katherine L. Wilson Peeples; sister, Mary Ellen Kemp; step-son Robert E. Peeples; son-in-law, Ronald J. Lee; grandsons, Sean Michael Lee and Erick J. Lee.
He is survived by stepdaughter, Patricia A. Peeples-Lee of Waco; stepson, Richard O. Peeples and wife, Carolyn, of Waco; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Peeples of West Covina, CA; grandsons, Ronald J. Lee, Danial W. Lee; great-grandson, Joshua Lee; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
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Paul was a great friend and always a gracious and often funny gentleman. I missed him much after retiring from Baylor. My condolences to the family and and those who were close to him after his retirement.
Mr. Kemp was my favorite professor at Baylor in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I think of him often and all the things he taught me about art and about life. He was a great artist and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.