Ernest “Ernie” Lee Kemp Jr., age 88, of Branson West, Missouri

Ernest “Ernie” Lee Kemp Jr., age 88, of Branson West, Missouri, went home to his Lord on December 31, 2023. He entered this life on March 20, 1935, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Ernest and Rosalie (McKenzie) Kemp. Ernie was joined in marriage on August 28, 1959, to Mary Bole in Carrollton, Mississippi.

Proudly serving his country in the United States Navy, Ernie loved his country and church. Throughout most of his life, Ernie owned and operated a Christmas tree farm called “Elk Christmas Tree Farm” in Carrollton, Mississippi. He was honored to be a member of the Valley Hills United Methodist Church in Carrollton, Mississippi, where he performed many tasks in helping whenever he could. Ernie enjoyed his time listening to country music and watching John Wayne. Adventurous and fun loving, he traveled and camped with his wife, Mary, even skiing the Alps. Ernie will be forever loved and never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by parents: Ernest and Rosalie Kemp; brother, Charles Dexter Wiegers; and sister, Mary Maxine Tebbenkamp.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Mary Kemp; daughter and son in law, Dawn and Norman Wallace of Branson West, Missouri; three grandsons: Brandon Campbell Wallace and wife, Kim, Nathaniel Wayne Wallace, and William Dillon Wallace and wife, Victoria; three great-grandchildren: Sean Aiden Crowley, Rion Elizabeth Wallace, and Raylee Renae Wallace; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be 12:00 p.m. Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Cowboy Church at God and Country Theater, 1840 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri. Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Carrollton, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cowboy Church at God and Country Theater, 209 N. Catamount Blvd, Branson West, MO 65737 or Oak Grove Cemetery at PO Box 72, Carrollton, Mississippi 38917. Services and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.