Sanger and Valley View communities in shock after Kemp’s motorcycle accident
Two Valley View residents and Sanger business owners were killed Sunday evening when their motorcycle was hit by a pickup truck at a rural intersection in Cooke County.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said 45-year-old Robert Kemp was driving the Harley Davidson west on FM 922 between Tioga and Valley View with Heather Kemp, 43, as his passenger.
Trooper C. Glass said the pickup, driven by 61-year-old William Hawk of Collinsville, failed to yield the right-of-way at the stop sign at County Road 215 and collided with the motorcycle.
Robert and Heather Kemp died at the scene. Hawk was not injured.
DPS said the investigation continues and that no additional information was available.
The news of the tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the communities of Sanger and Valley View, leaving friends, family, co-workers and employees in mourning.
Robert was a Gas Division Manager with Mabak Directional Drilling in Sanger, and Heather was an Insurance Agent with Hutcherson Insurance in Gainesville.
Heather and Robbie Kemp were known for their adventurous spirit and love for life. Heather Kemp, described by friends as vibrant and caring, was actively involved in the local community. Her infectious smile and warm personality left a lasting impact on those around her. Robbie Kemp, known for his zest for life and love of the open road, was a cherished member of the motorcycle enthusiast community.
Robert and Heather were amazing parents, actively involved in everything that revolved around their children. Their children were their world. They leave behind three children (28, 18, 13) and two towns full of friends.
Services are under the direction of Coker Funeral Home in Sanger, Texas. The viewing will be held at Coker Funeral Home on Thursday, November 16 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at Valley Valley View High School Competition Gym at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, November 17 with lunch following at the Rock Community Center. See obituary at www.cokerfuneralhome.com and on page 2 of the Sanger News.
OBITUARY...
Robert Neil Kemp, 45, and his wife, Heather Ann (Ellis) Kemp, 43, of Valley View, passed away in an accident on Sunday, November 12, 2023, near Valley View.
Robert was born on August 12, 1978, in Denton, Texas, to John Middleton and Mary Alice (Harvey) Kemp. Heather was born on December 1, 1979, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Kenneth Ray and Shirley Ann (Snider) Ellis.
They were married on July 17, 2004, in Valley View, where they made their home and raised their three children. Robert was a Gas Division Manager with Mabak Directional Drilling in Sanger, and Heather was an Insurance Agent with Hutcherson Insurance in Gainesville.
Robert and Heather were amazing parents, actively involved in everything that revolved around their children. Their children were their world.
A visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Coker Funeral Home in Sanger. Funeral services are at 10:30 am, Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Valley View Competition Gym, 700 S. Frontage Road, Valley View, TX. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery. Tim Kemp will be officiating the services.
Robert and Heather are survived by their children, Quention Ray Ellis, Cierra Briann Kemp, and Kyle Cain Kemp, all of Valley View; and brothers, John D. Kemp of Corinth, Chris Kemp of Kemp, TX, and Jimmy Ray Ellis of Huntsville. They are preceded in death by their parents and sister, D’An Eldridge.
Please share a memory or offer your condolences to the Kemp Family in our online guestbook.