Kempton L. Johnston

Kempton L. Johnston, 84, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, died on February 28, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on October 21, 1937 in Fort Fairfield, ME, the son of Austin E. Johnston and Edna (Kennedy) Johnston. Kemp moved to Milford, NH in 1950. He attended Milford Schools, but returned to Fort Fairfield, ME for his senior year. He played baseball, basketball and ran track both in Milford and in Fort Fairfield. He also played on the First Baptist Church/Town of Milford travel baseball team during summers while in high school. Kemp enlisted in the US Army in 1956 and was honorably discharged in 1959. He graduated from Cambridge School of Radio and Television in Boston, MA. In 1962 he married his wife, Jacquelyn Wheeler. In 1963 he moved back to Amherst, NH with his wife where he resided until his death. Kemp went to work for Sanders Associates in 1966 and retired after 32 years in 2000 from BAE. During his time there he was a member of the company’s intramural softball team and served on the Board of Intramural Sports Programs and helped plan many of the end of the season softball banquets. He enjoyed coaching baseball and basketball teams for the Amherst Recreation League where his son, Kevin, was playing. Kemp was an avid Souhegan High School sports fan for many years, and never missed a game for 15 years. In addition, he was an avid Boston sports fan and loved country music, ensuring his children understood it was Boston against the world and the Yankees suck. Kemp and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, visiting family in their homes. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Milford, NH, where he served for 4 years as Deacon, in the 1960s. He is predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Evelyn (Pinette) Johnston, sisters, Medina and Frances Johnston, a brother, Milton Johnston. Family members include his wife of 59 years, Jacquelyn (Wheeler) Johnston of Amherst, NH; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Christy Johnston of Platte City, MO, Keith and Shannon Johnston of Hinesburg, VT; grandchildren; Kate Johnston, Kaeden Johnston; step grandchildren, Spencer and Cambria Stewart of Smithville, MO, Jace and Cole Rinehart of Manhattan, KS; his sister and husband, Janet Johnston Dennett and Frank of Kittery, ME; and many cousins. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 11:00am in the Burns Hill Christian Fellowship Church, 419 Elm Street, Milford, NH.