RUMFORD — Leo Francis Patrick “Demps” Kersey Jr., 90, passed away peacefully Dec. 18, in Rumford, after living a full life.

He was born in Rumford, Sept. 5, 1922, the only son of Leo F. and Melia Marie (Marceau) Kersey Sr.

After graduating from Stephens High School in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Demps was a proud Veteran who earned the rank of sergeant in World War II. He fought in the heroic battle of Iwo Jima and was there to bear witness to the raising of the U.S. Flag on Mount Suribachi.

On Sept. 5, 1951, he married the love of his life, Frances Ruth Ellis, who died July 2, in Rumford. They wanted a big family and together they raised 6 children of whom they were very proud. The family enjoyed traveling together and most of all spending summers at Roxbury Pond.

He was founder and proprietor of The Mexico Chicken Coop which he and Frances continued to operate until his retirement. The Coop was more than an occupation, it was a lifestyle that they enjoyed for five decades.

An avid football fan, he played semi-pro football for the VFW and enjoyed watching the Patriots, as well as his favorite team, The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Demps was also a passionate hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed his time salmon fishing at his camp on The Miramachi River. He loved entertaining family and his long list of great friends, and had an uncanny way with the English vocabulary.

He is survived by a daughter, Charlene Kersey Newcomb and Doug Ryan; three sons, Leo F. Kersey III and wife, Lori-Lynne, Michael Kersey and wife, Candy and Patrick Kersey and wife, Deanna; sons-in-law, David Martineau and Bob Slover; nine grandchildren, Lori Fakler, Kelly Martineau, Matthew Slover, George Newcomb III, Leo Kersey IV, Erik Kersey, Brooke Kersey, Michael Kersey Jr. and Kathleen Kersey; four great-grandchildren, Jackson and Bryce Fakler, Tucker and Ava Sastamoine; and a brother, Tim Kersey and wife, Judy, and his “big kid,” Steve Chaisson.

In heaven he joins his wife, Frances; and daughters, Colleen Kersey Martineau and Kathleen Kersey.

Demps was true, loving, welcoming, trusting and generous and his parting words to all of us would be “Tight Lines.”

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.