Stanley Thompson “Stan” Kemmis, 89, went to his heavenly home on August 16, 2025, at Diversicare Nursing Home in Hutchinson, KS. He was born on May 23, 1936, in Sidney, Montana, to George and Elizabeth (Ferrick) Kemmis. Stan was number 7 out of 8 children in the Kemmis family and was the last of the siblings to pass away. Although he just turned 89 in May, he chose to tell everyone that he was 90 “because it’s close enough”.
Stan graduated from Sidney High School in 1954 and joined the United States Navy in 1956. On September 6, 1958, he married Peggy Roberts of Fairview, Montana. They raised three children, Rick, Jon and Debra. They later divorced. She survives.
Stan was a dreamer, and his ambitions led his family to many different locations across the United States. He served in the United States Navy stationed in Oakland, California and the United States Air Force stationed in Altus, Oklahoma. Stan received a bachelor’s degree in history from Oklahoma University and a master’s degree in geography from Oklahoma State University. Upon graduation he accepted a job in Pratt, Kansas where his children graduated from high school.
Stan was the owner of an RV Center in Cullison, KS. He also ran a home improvement business that supplied nursing homes with tables and equipment that he designed and built. After Stan’s retirement, he restored cars and remodeled homes. He gravitated towards smaller communities as Stan enjoyed the hometown atmosphere. He adopted many pets as the years went by. Stan’s latest companion was his dog, Dudley.
Stan is survived by his children: Rick (Barb) Kemmis of Mission, KS; Jon (Brenda) Kemmis of Watertown, SD; and Debbie (Terry) Field of Hutchinson, KS; 8 grandchildren, Nick Kemmis, Eric Kemmis, Jordan (Mark) Brown, Jonathan (Amber) Kemmis, Jared (Stacey) Kemmis, Jason Kemmis, Cory Field, and Kelsi (Cody) Rietcheck; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Stan was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Kenneth, Winton, Merton, Quincy, Eldon; and sisters, Jane Norton and Mary Domonoske.
Cremation has taken place. Graveside service with military honors will be held at Pioneer Cemetery, Sidney, Montana, at a later date. Condolences for the family may be sent to elliottmortuary.com.
Memorials are suggested to Gentiva Hospice of Hutchinson or Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.