Kemp Edwards, 86, went to be with the Lord on Friday August 26, 2022, with his loving family by his side after a long year of challenging health issues.
Kemp was born on March 3, 1936, in Ayden, North Carolina to Hal Lamar Edwards and Renno (McLawhon) Edwards.
He graduated from Ayden High School and went on to study at Asbury University in Kentucky. He furthered his education at Asbury Seminary, while pastoring at Paris United Methodist Church.
From 1958-1960, he went to Japan as a missionary for church planting and evangelism while working alongside Japanese pastors. When he returned to attend seminary, he met the love of his life, Jean.
Kemp and Jean were married in 1963 and felt called to serve as missionaries through One Mission Society (OMS) in Japan. Together, they served in Japan for 21 years along with their children. Kemp served OMS for a total of 57 years, which included travels to India, Spain, Haiti and Ecuador.
Kemp was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers. He was also a fan of Duke basketball. In fact, he was so loyal, he named two of his dogs Duke.
Kemp became the Director of Recruitment for OMS in 1987 until 1992. He then became a Regional Director for OMS. He traveled thousands of miles visiting college campuses to help recruit and encourage the younger generation to serve on the mission field. Following his years as a Regional Director, he served in the Prayer Department.
He was devoted to his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Kemp is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean (Pratt) Edwards; his three children, Bryan (Monique) Edwards, Jill (Kenny) Carr, and Kristen Joy (Scott) Bieri; three grandchildren, Megan, Bryan Jr., and Elliott. Surviving siblings include Hal Edwards and Ret. Col. Thomas Edwards.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William Edwards.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on September 17, 2022 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm (EST) at Traders Point Christian Church (at The Point) located at 6590 S. Indianapolis Rd Whitestown, IN. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow a private burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials in Kemp’s honor can be made to: One Mission Society (memo line: Kemp Edwards Memorial/Japan Project # 408388). P.O. Box A, Greenwood, Indiana 46142.
Myers Mortuary in Lebanon, Indiana is handling his arrangements for burial.
