John Richard Kemp

John Richard Kemp, 99, of Colorado Springs passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 6, 2026. He was born to James and Jessie Kemp on his grandfather, J. W. White’s farm near Harlan, Iowa.

At the age of 17, John’s father passed away and he took over the responsibility of farming 240 acres. He approached this challenge with determination and hard work. John’s first job after leaving the farm was with Western Engineering, doing asphalt paving. He also worked on a survey team for road construction and inspected the construction of roads and bridges. This is when John got his first slide rule!

John graduated with a Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Iowa and was in the Army for 2 years. He also worked for the Hennepin County Highway Department in Minneapolis as a Project Engineer. John then became the Beltrami County Highway Engineer, living in Bemidji, MN. After moving to Colorado, John became a realtor and sold real estate while living in Colorado Springs. The engineering world drew John back however and they moved to Arvada, Colorado. John worked as a civil engineer for RTD in the Denver area and was the project manager for Denver’s new 16th Street Mall. This really changed the character of the downtown area and was a huge accomplishment.

After retiring and doing some travelling, John & Velma moved back to the beauty of Colorado Springs that they loved so much. Spending time with family was important to John and Velma. They also loved spending time during the winter in Mesa, AZ, golfing and playing cards with many friends.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Velma; parents James and Jessie; brothers Lawrence and his wife, Maxine; James and his wife, Eunice.

John is survived by his children, Linda Kemp of Austin, TX; Lawrence Kemp (Phyllis) of Littleton, CO and Steven Kemp (Carol) of Loveland, CO; 6 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces including Vera (Kemp) Germain of Colorado Springs.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Funeral Service will be held at the First Evangelical Free Church, 820 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904 at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 20, 2026. Graveside Service will be Monday, April 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925. Special thanks to all his kind neighbors, friends and caregivers for the excellent help and care they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Evangelical Free Church.

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