Paul Clement Kemp (IABE ’54)

February 9, 1931 – July 26, 2014

Paul C. Kemp (IABE ’54) entered the Chapter Eternal on July 26, 2014. He passed away in Lexington, Ky., of pulmonary hypertension and leukemia. He was 80 years old.

Kemp, a college football player, coach and professional football talent scout, was born in Waterloo, IA on Feb. 9, 1931, to the late Henry Nicholas Kemp and Edith May Callaghan. He was graduated from Waterloo West High school.

He then attended the University of Iowa, where he pledged the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was initiated into the fraternity on April 15, 1951 and received SAE badge number 80650. From 1952 – 1953, Kemp played quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team.

“Paul was a really good guy and a great friend to everyone,” said Steve Jaeger (IABE ’55). “I remember him as an excellent fraternity man and a loyal SAE brother. He was a True Gentleman in every sense. I am very sad to learn of his passing.”

He received a BA from the University of Iowa in January 1954 and entered the US Army, serving two years while stationed in Fort Benning, GA and Fort Carson, CO. Paul married Ila Beth Larsen in June 1953. The couple returned to Iowa where Paul received an MA in August 1956. They were married for 39 years, divorcing in 1992. 

Kemp served as the head football coach at Dickinson State University in 1956 and at Boston University from 1973 to 1976, compiling a career college football record of 20–26–1. Additionally, he served as assistant coach at Arizona State University, Iowa State University, University of Pittsburgh, and returned as offensive line coach at the University of Iowa from 1977-79. He also was a pro football scout for the Atlanta Falcons for one year. 

He briefly lived in Fort Myers, FL before returning to Iowa City, where he would live for an additional 31 years until moving to Lexington, KY for his final seven months of life.

“On behalf of all Iowa Beta alumni, we extend our deepest sympathies to Brother Kemp’s family,” said Marc Rosenow (IABE ’86), president of the Iowa Beta Alumni Association. “Paul Kemp is remembered by his fraternity brothers as a kind man with a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed.” 

Brother Paul Kemp is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Harry) Kemp Moore of Lexington, Melinda (Chris) Kemp Greely of Bridgewater, Mass., and Melissa (Oscar) Kemp David of Winnetka, Ill.; his grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer (Stephen) Moore Brandstetter and Nicholas Moore, Michael (Melanie) Greely and Caitlin (Matthew) Greely Osgood and Nicholas, Amanda and Bethany David; his great-grandchildren, Elise and Jackson Greely; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Kemp, Clementine Kemp Jeffries and Berenice Kemp Patton; and his brothers, Edward Kemp and Clarence Kemp.

“May the memory of his good deeds and the example of his noble life ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.”

-- The Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon