R. Crosby Kemper Jr.
Rufus Crosby Kemper Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 2014 (aged 86) Indian Wells, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, benefactor |
| Known for | Leadership at United Missouri Bank / UMB Financial Corporation; Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art |
Rufus Crosby Kemper Jr. (February 22, 1927 – January 2, 2014) was a notable American banker and benefactor.
Career
Kemper was born into a distinguished family known for their influence in banking and railroads in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of Rufus Crosby Kemper Sr.. After completing his education at Phillips Academy in 1945, he pursued higher studies at the University of Missouri, where he became a member of the Zeta Phi chapter of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
His professional journey began in 1950 at United Missouri Bank, which later became UMB Financial Corporation. By 1959, he had risen to the position of president and maintained leadership roles for many years before stepping down as chairman in 2004. In addition to his banking career, Kemper sought public office as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1962 and served as chairperson of the Kansas City Industrial Committee. He also played a significant role with the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, an institution bearing his name.
Personal life
Kemper passed away at 86 on January 2, 2014, in Indian Wells, California. He fathered seven children with Cynthia Warrick Kemper and Mary "Bebe" Stripp Kemper; among them were banking leaders Crosby Kemper III and Mariner Kemper.
On June 18, 1965, he and Mary legally adopted their son Sandy Kemper in Chicago. Additionally, he was related as a first cousin twice removed to actress Ellie Kemper.