Howard W. Kemp, 85, of Meadowcrest, Fla., formerly of Holden, died Friday, March 27, 2009 in Inverness, Fla. He was born in Worcester, son of Howard L. and Jennie (Bates) Kemp, and graduated from Wentworth Institute and Boston University. Mr. Kemp owned and managed the Marsh-Kemp Insurance Agency in Worcester until retirement in 1986. He resided in Hadley and in Florida since 1987.

Mr. Kemp led numerous professional, community and church organizations. He was an Army veteran, serving during World War II, and a lifetime member of the Boylston Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Holden and later was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Crystal River, Fla.

Mr. Kemp was predeceased by his wife, Norma L. Kemp, and his former wife, Jean Hugo Kemp; a brother, Arthur Kemp; and a daughter, Christine A. Kemp. Survivors include a daughter, Andrea J. Morris of Hadley; a grandchild, Scott Morris of Westfield; and a sister, Carol Bingham of Renton, Wash.