John Lee Kemp affectionately known as “Mr. Wonderful”, passed away on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Santa Paula, California at the age of 77, surrounded by the love of his family and his wife Elizabeth (Michel) Kemp of 55 years. Born June 12,1948 in Bakersfield, California, he was the son of John Kemp Sr. and Norma (Rasmussen-Kemp) Buchheim.
John grew up in Port Hueneme, Oxnard and attended the local elementary schools and graduated Hueneme High School in 1966. He went on to attend Ventura College and Cal Poly where he met Elizabeth, his wife. They married in Las Vegas and made their home in Oxnard and later moved to Fillmore where they raised three children on the Michel Family Ranch located in Bardsdale.
For 45 years he worked for the State of California with the Department of Water Resources Southern Field Division. Plus, he ran his own landscape company, while teaching his three children the importance of faith, honesty, and hard work. Once John retired the couple decided it was time for some slow living and simple pleasures. They have called Santa Paula their home for the last 10 years.
Outside of work John was a part of the Fillmore Masonic Lodge Chapter #379, president of the Fillmore Garden Club, and coach to his children’s various sports teams. Above all, John had a love of family, the number 9 from La Cabana, and a sense of adventure that he shared with his wife and their three children.
He leaves behind his devoted wife Elizabeth, two wonderful children Sarah and Jacob (wife Nichole Kemp), and his beloved grandchildren Peyton and Emmalynn; and many in-laws, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Kemp Sr. (father), Howard (step-father) and his mother Norma (Rasmussen-Kemp) Buchheim, brother David Kemp, and his eldest daughter, Maggie Kemp.
The Kemp family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the doctors and nurses who crossed our path.
Join us in honoring and celebrating the life of John Kemp in Fillmore, California, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Bardsdale Cemetery located at 1698 South Sespe Street, Fillmore, California. Reception immediately to follow at the Fillmore Historical Museum Train Depot located at 350 Main Street, Fillmore, California.