Marshall Democrat-News: Local News: Local man seeks help to make Marshall greener, shadier (11/06/08)

David Kemm holds a tree recently planted in the Indian Foothills Park in honor of his mother, father and brother. He plans to bring the total number of trees he participates in planting in memory or honor of those he loves and respects to 400 in his lifetime.
(Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

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David Kemm, a lifelong resident of Marshall, intends to plant 400 trees around Marshall honoring those living or dead who he loves and respects.

"A lot of people put down bricks, but I figured a tree would last a long time," Kemm said. "I love trees, and I know trees are good for the environment. It's a respectful way of honoring somebody."

Kemm recently planted two trees in the Indian Foothills Park, one in memory of his mother, father and brother, and another in memory of Sue Long, his former minister Jim Long's wife, all of whom are deceased.

He also plans to plant one in memory of Stephanie Rapp, who lost her life after the car she was riding in collided with a tree last summer, and another "in honor of those lovely ladies at the Lighthouse Shelter."

"I had quite a few friends that have died this year," said Kemm.

Kemm gets his trees from Gary Mawson, owner of Blind Pony Nursery here in Marshall.

The funds for Kemm's project come from recycling cell phones dropped into boxes located at both Red Cross Pharmacies, Dr. Hunter's optometry office on West Morgan Street, Taco Bell, the Marshall Water District office, Troy Maupin's American Family Insurance office in Slater, Mike McKay Investment Services, Dollar General, Radio Shack, The Marshall Democrat-News office and Blind Pony Nursery. Kemm sends the phones out of state to a recycling center, and estimated that he receives between $4 and $5 per phone.

He also accepts donations to Blind Pony Nursery and the City of Marshall Tree Fund.

Plans for these trees began in August.

"A tree is a loving thing," said Kemm. "My mom and dad always taught me to respect nature, and I like to see trees turn in the fall."

Kemm also raised the issue at the Marshall City Council meeting Monday, Nov. 4, urging residents to consider contributing to the project so there will be trees in memory of their loved ones.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net

Thank you so much for honoring my daughter Stephanie. Can't tell you how much this means to me.

-- Posted by stephssedaliafamily on Tue, Sep 8, 2009, at 11:09 AM

This is great! Good job, David!

-- Posted by observer 5 on Sun, Nov 9, 2008, at 9:20 PM

This really is an awesome idea! I hope you reach 400 David!

-- Posted by speedfingers on Fri, Nov 7, 2008, at 9:42 PM

Well done David, we are all proud of you!

-- Posted by onpoint on Fri, Nov 7, 2008, at 8:33 PM

This is a beautiful thing that you're doing David!

We were just talking and wondering how you were doing. Its so good to see that you're doing well and doing good things. - Cathy & Joanna

-- Posted by OldOwl_90 on Fri, Nov 7, 2008, at 10:32 AM

David Kemm I don't know you, I have been gone from Marshall for a long time.

I have noted all the "little" things you do for the community, and the environment. That is a big thing.

-- Posted by Oklahoma Reader on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 7:26 PM

Trees help the enviroment so much.We need all the trees we can get.This is a great way to help mother nature and remember someone we lost.Thank you David Kemm.

-- Posted by old&cranky on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 5:17 PM

Thank you David for doing so much for our community. I appreciate all you do.

-- Posted by born-n-raised on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 2:31 PM

atta boy Dave!!

-- Posted by marshallite on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 2:01 PM

I love the idea!!! Trees are beautiful and help to give us life! We should overflow our city with trees!

-- Posted by Green Eyes on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 1:42 PM

David Kemm should be Mayor of Marshall!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by 17mizzou17 on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 1:38 PM