Kemp L. Root

Kemp L. Root, 76, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017, at Sterling Inn in Victorville, CA following a short illness.
Kemp was born on January 1, 1941 in Coatesville, PA. He was the son of the late George G. and Mildred (Shindle) Root. Kemp was the husband of the late Mitsuko "Mitch" Root, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.
Kemp proudly served his country for 20 years as a US Marine, retiring in January 1980 as a gunnery sergeant. He was deployed three times to Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Kemp was employed for 23 years by the Borax Company in Boron, CA.
Kemp was an avid rock and gem collector for most of his life. He shaped and polished these rocks and gems to set in the jewelry he loved to give to family and friends. Kemp was a long time member of the Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society. He was a member of the Victor Valley Gem and Mineral Club and the Gold Members Association of America. Kemp was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Kemp was a Lutheran by faith.
A special thank you to the Sterling Inn of Victorville and the Seasons Hospice for their tender care during his illness and for helping his family through his last days.
Besides his wife and parents, Kemp was predeceased by his brother, Jerry "Jake" Root in 1983.
Surviving is his sister, Linda M. Root of Coatesville, PA, his special cousin, Penny Root LeFevre and her husband, Blake, of Silver Lakes, CA, both of whom he grew very fond of and was deeply indebted for all they have done for him, his aunts, Alma Steen and Carol Arnold, both of Coatesville, PA, and many cousins.
At Kemp's request, there will be no service. Inurnment will be private in the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Columbarium in Coatesville, reunited with his beloved wife, Mitch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coatesville Area Senior Center, 250 Harmony St., Coatesville, PA 19320 or to a charity of your choice.