Francis L. “Corky” Kemp passed away on December 14, 2025, at Great Plains Health at the age of 82. He was born to Clay and Dorothy (Winters) Kemp on February 18, 1943, in North Platte.
Corky grew up in the sandhills of Tryon, NE attending Tryon High School and graduating with the class of 1961. Three years after graduating, Corky enlisted into the United States Army as a Personnel Management Specialist and spent some time stationed in Germany. In 1967, he was honorably discharged with a National Defense Service Medal and as a Sharpshooter. Shortly after returning home to Tryon, Corky met Vickie Kinsman whom he married on March 22, 1968, at the Arthur Baptist Church. The couple was blessed with three children, Stacey, Robert, and Wendy. Corky and Vickie made their home in North Platte, where they raised their children. He worked for Blue Flame Propane and then Detlefsen’s, before beginning a 30-year career as a pipefitter for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Known to be a talker, Corky almost never made it through an outing without finding a stranger (or several) to share stories and jokes with. He possessed a laugh and a smile that were both contagious and hinted to his ornery side. As an outdoorsman, Corky loved to hunt, fish, and held a real passion for team roping. He treasured his horses, hand making their halters and learning how to braid their manes, a talent that he also used on his granddaughters’ hair. He loved to play a good game of pitch, didn’t matter if it was 5, 10 or call your partner. In recent years Corky could be found around 3 p.m. enjoying food and conversation at Capone’s. Corky was a proud member of the American Legion for 59 continuous years. Above all he absolutely adored his grandkids. Corky was an active father and grandfather, always looking forward to their next sporting event.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Vickie of North Platte; his children, Stacey (Mark) Trumbull of Ogallala, Robbie (Epi Avila) Kemp of Papillion, Wendy Thomas of Kearney; grandchildren, Derek (Stephanie) Uhrmacher, Milisa (Jesse) Barnes, Landon Trumbull, Kam-eryn Trumbull, Miranda Palacios-Avila, and Lauryn Thomas; great grandchildren, Lane, Sophia, Olivia, and Jax; siblings, Dora of Valentine, Kenny of Wellfleet, and Clyta (Jerry) of North Platte; many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Dorothy; in-laws, Bob and Phyllis; brother, Oat (Marsha) and sister-in-law Jan.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion in Tryon or to the Fraternal Order of Eagles in North Platte.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
The funeral service was held Monday, December 22, 2025, at the McPherson County School gymnasium. Burial followed at Miller Cemetery, Tryon, NE with the rendering of full military honors. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
