William Kemper Croft passed from this life on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the age of 74.  He was born on July 19, 1950, in Brownwood, to Doris and John B. Croft. Kemper lived all of his life in Brownwood and for many, many years in the Croft family home on Belle Plain where he resided until his death.

Many people enjoyed his BBQ from this location as Kemper was a world class grill master, having won many BBQ championships in Texas and beyond.  Prior to his career in “smoke and coals”, Kemper worked in retail marketing at TG&Y after high school graduation.  In later years he devoted his life to work at the Brownwood State School from which he retired after 20+ years.

Kemper loved life!  He had many friends who shared with him his love of hunting and fishing and anything outdoors!  Most of Kemper’s free time was spent on Lake Brownwood fishing, camping on McCartney Island, or skiing in which he earned his claim to fame as “Brownwood’s craziest barefoot skier.”

Family members who embraced Kemper in Heaven are his parents, Doris and John B. Croft, infant brother, Bruce Davis Croft, sister, Nancy Croft Thibert, and brother, Walter B. Croft.

Cherishing Kemper’s life are his wife Tonya and granddaughter Aleah of Brownwood, daughter, Kember and husband Tyler Kunkel of Round Top, sister, Vonne Cornett and husband Lynn of Whon, brother Doyce “PeeWee” Croft of Brownwood, brother-in-law John Thibert of Austin, and sister-in-law Gail Croft of Brownwood, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grands and greats.

A celebration of Kemper’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Trickham Union Church with a reception to follow in the Trickham Community Center.

Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Croft family online at heartlandfuneralhome.net