Obituary

Chief E. Wayne Kemp

December 7, 1940 - April 24, 2025

Chief E. Wayne Kemp (retired, City of Bogalusa Police Department) passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 and transferred to his Heavenly home where he joins his father, Elmer Kemp, his mother, Bertha Kemp, Sisters, Marie, Thelma and Lorraine, and his brother Jim, but most importantly, he is seeing his Savior Jesus Christ face to face.  During his time on this earth, Wayne lived a life full of love, joy, and remarkable achievements that touched the hearts of many.

He will be greatly missed by the love of his life of 63 years, Helen Davis Kemp, his sons Cliff (Barbara) and Shayne along with his grandchildren Tiffany Hill (Shawn), Tyler Kemp, Matthew Kemp (Ashley), Alexandra Kemp (Tyler Morris) and Jonathan Prats; great-grandchildren Dexter, Adrian, Brenna and Lydia Hill, Nash Morris and Campbell John Kemp and so many other dearly loved friends and family that are too many to name.

Born on December 7, 1940 in Bogalusa, Wayne was an avid fisherman who from an early age had a passion for catching catfish.  He was a self-taught craftsman who enjoyed building his own boats and crafting furniture for Helen.

He joined the United States Navy at age 18 and proudly served his country. When he returned to Bogalusa he went to work at Crown Zellerbach.

Later he would join the Bogalusa Police Department where he rose in the ranks from patrolman to Police Chief.  He also served on the Board of the Municipal Police Retirement System until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 55.  Woo Hoo!, then the real fun began.

Wayne and Helen then set off for some amazing adventures in RV’ing. They had the privilege of volunteering in the Great Smoky Mountains, Florida Keys and many other state parks in Arizona, Georgia, Colorado and Wyoming.  Some of their favorite places were at the beaches in Florida.  They lived this life of adventure for many years until Wayne’s health began to decline.  

After accepting Christ as his Savior, Wayne became a faithful member of Lee’s Creek Baptist Church.

Wayne will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his memories will be cherished forever. The family would like to thank Pulse Hospice and all of the wonderful nurses and caregivers that took such loving care of Wayne.

Funeral services will be held at Poole Ritchie Funeral Home (216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA 70427) on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Rev. Patrick Magee and Chaplain Cody Warren will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Lee's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends and have visitation from 11:00 am until services on Monday at the funeral home.