William Thornton Kemper Jr.
William Thornton Kemper Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | June 8, 1989 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, philanthropist |
| Known for | Leadership in banking; philanthropy in arts and education |
William Thornton Kemper Jr. (July 24, 1902 – June 8, 1989) was a distinguished American banker, art enthusiast, and philanthropist hailing from a well-established banking family in Kansas City. He was one of three sons born to William Thornton Kemper Sr. and Charlotte Crosby Kemper.
Education
Kemper Jr. received his early education at Kemper Military School located in Booneville, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1926. While at university, he was active in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity as well as organizations such as Scabbard and Blade and Kappa Beta Phi.
Fashion
Renowned for his refined sense of style, Kemper Jr. was recognized by the National Association of Merchant Tailors in 1939 as one of North America’s top 20 best-dressed men.
Career
Rising rapidly through the banking industry, Kemper Jr. assumed leadership roles throughout the Midwest. By the age of 25, he held the presidency of three banks: First National Bank of Independence, Citizens National Bank of Frankfort, Kansas, and Kemper State Bank in Booneville, Missouri. Between 1938 and 1939, he served as president of the Missouri Bankers Association.
His commitment to arts and education was evident through more than five decades of service on the board and as chairman of the Kansas City Art Institute.
Legacy
Following in his mother’s footsteps as a devoted supporter of the arts, Kemper Jr. was known for his understated philanthropic efforts. Upon his passing in 1989, the William T. Kemper Foundation was created with an initial endowment surpassing $160 million. The foundation’s mission centers on advancing education, human services, civic development, and the arts primarily within Missouri, Kansas, and western Illinois—areas reflecting his deep appreciation for fine arts and music.
His charitable contributions have benefited institutions including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, various universities across the Midwest, The Muny, and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, among other organizations aligned with the foundation’s regional priorities.