Jesse C. Kemper, 72, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, under the care of Compassus Hospice at Transcendent Healthcare South of Boonville, Indiana.

Jesse is survived by his loving, devoted wife of over 23 years, Dr. Brenda Walker Dillingham. He was born in Evansville, Indiana to the late Clarence and Catherine (Baggett) Kemper and was a 1970 graduate of Harrison High School. Later he was a graduate of Indiana College of Bodywork and Modalities, where he obtained a license in massage therapy. As soon as Jesse graduated high school, he developed a deep interest in automotives. By age 24, he was promoted to General Manager of a large auto parts company, where he remained almost 30 years. He left for another company, which enticed him with a deal he could not refuse. In only a few months, he was promoted again to General Manager. He received many awards and much praise for being such a consistently outstanding, loyal, mannerly, conscientious, hard-working employee. After 48 years in the automotive industry, Jesse retired in 2017 as General Manager at International Auto Parts in Land O Lakes, Florida, where he and Brenda had moved in 2008 to enjoy the warm, sunny weather.

Jesse loved life and always had a smile while offering a helping hand. He loved to travel to exotic places and eat at fine restaurants. And dance. He loved to dance no matter where he was and he and his wife participated in Ball Room dancing for years. He never feared going on strenuous excursions in the US or in foreign countries. He was so kind and sweet inside with such a masculine appearance no one would expect him to be the gentle person he was. His voice was the same way, deep and masculine but so soothing at the same time. He had a magnetic personality for humans and for pets. He loved his three Australian Shepherds Baby, BooBa, and Banksy. They loved him and now grieve his loss. Hopefully he is with his deceased loved ones including pets from his past.

Three years ago, Jesse began showing signs of Alzheimer's disease, along with already dealing with major lung and heart disease. He, however, faced it valiantly with his ever-present sweet smile, his loving, gentle demeanor, and his soft-spoken, congenial charm and with Brenda, whom he adoringly called "my angel," by his side. They returned to Brenda's hometown of Henderson, KY in October 2024, and his condition soon rapidly deteriorated to requiring 24-hour care.

In addition to Brenda, Jesse is survived by his stepsons, John Dillingham and Brent Dillingham (Brent's wife Amy); three sons, Jay Kemper, Kainan Kemper, and Brian Kemper; one daughter, Rachael Kemper; two brothers, Gene Kemper and Johnny Rae Kemper; grandchildren; aunts; nieces; nephews; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by brother Robin Anthony Kemper.

Per Jesse's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private memorial celebration of life will be at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Henderson County due to his love of dogs.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.