R. Crosby Kemper Sr., 32°
(Feb 23, 1892-Oct 23, 1972)
Member, Country Club #656

1922 - 32° Consistory of Western Missouri, Kansas City

Occupation: President, City Bank, UMB
Recommended: WO Norman, WT Kemper
Interred: Forest Hill Cemetery

During his tenure spanning 1919 to 1967 Brother Rufus "Crosby" Kemper transformed City Center Bank into UMB Financial Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born in Valley Falls, Kansas and contributed substantially to philanthropies in the Kansas City area. UMB served as the platform from which Kemper became a major supporter and contributor to agriculture, the arts and enterprise in Kansas City and, briefly, a dabbler in politics. The Kemper Arena was named for him.

His father William T. Kemper originally purchased City Center Bank, which was founded in 1913, during World War I. William Kemper first appointed Crosby's younger brother James M. Kemper president of the bank in 1919. James resigned a month later and went on to become president of rival Commerce Bancshares. Crosby became president of the bank, a position he held until 1959 when his son R. Crosby Kemper Jr. took over. He was in turn was succeeded by his son Crosby III. Crosby Sr. stayed on as director until 1967.

The rivalry between the brothers and their descendants defines much of Missouri financial and philanthropic history.

Crosby Kemper also served as a regent at Rockhurst University, president of Interstate Securities and director of Kansas City Title & Trust Company.

James died at age 70 in 1965. Crosby died in 1972 at age 80.