Aaron Hemphill

Aaron Grant Hemphill, Jr. was born November 11, 1924 in Hardin Township, Illinois, the son of Aaron Grant Hemphill, Sr. and his wife the former Miranda May Stout. His family moved to the Annada, Missouri area when he was five years old. He attended Annada and Paynesville schools and graduated from Elsberry High School. Margaret Lee Cox was born July 9, 1925 in Louisiana to William Cox and his wife the former Jessie Hawkins. She remained a resident of Louisiana all her life, graduating from Louisiana High School.. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother. She was a Christian by faith. Aaron and Margaret were married June 17, 1945. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kirksville State Teachers College and later a Masters Degree in Education. He taught Industrial Education for 38 years at Louisiana High School and also Drivers Education for a number of years. He was known as "CHIEF" by his students and fellow faculty members. For many years he helped the LHS football team by helping run the down and distance markers for Coaches Cunningham and Blais. He made many trips to the surplus property facility in Jefferson City to find items for the school and for student projects. He was always a strong supporter of LHS activities. He served in the United States Army, 460th Army Air Force United for 2 1/2 years during World War II. He was Honorably Discharged February 23, 1946 at Camp Beale, California, serving his entire time state-side. During his service to his country he acquired a life-long interest in flying. For a number of years he owned and flew his own small planes including a Piper Cub and later an Ercoupe. He would occasionally fly to the state teachers meetings in Kirksville and then give rides to his college faculty members in the Industrial Arts Department. About the time Aaron was entering the Army in WWII he met his future wife, Margaret Lee Cox. Their first meetings were at the roller skating rink that was located just west of the Old Elmwood two room school on Georgia Street. This is where the headquarters for Fifth Gear is now located, the former plastics plant. They were married June 17, 1945. After the war, Aaron worked at the Missouri Chemical Works while he finished his teaching degree. It was at this time that they were able to purchase a building lot across from the old skating rink where they first dated. Aaron built the house at 3009 Georgia Street. Nearly all of the lumber in the home was green oak and cottonwood that he saved on the family sawmill near Annada. They lived in this home all of their married life until both became weak and their health began to fail. Aaron and Margaret had three children, Aaron Grant III, Murray Craig and Lee Anne. Lee Anne passed away several years ago of Lou Gehrig's Disease. Her husband Brad Forkner survives. During their marriage they enjoyed many past-times including owning a mobile camper for many years. They would often take the grandchildren for extended trips out west. Aaron was always a good mechanic and could usually patch and fix any breakdowns along the way. They visited and camped at many of the Old Threshers events around the area. They always had good gardens and Margaret canned food and jelly for her family. Green beans and applesauce were her favorites. Margaret took pride in and put much effort into always having a fine Christmas for her children and the extended Cox family. There were always extra family members around their home at Christmas. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed keeping the home that she and Aaron built together. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing and spending time with her family. As Aaron and Margaret neared retirement age they purchased a 12 acre site north of Louisiana in order to build a small cabin and fishing pond. As their health allowed they spent many hours picnicking, fishing, and camping with their grandchildren. When Aaron's children were young, he was active in the Khoury League Association. He helped build concession stands, rest rooms, and whatever needed to be done. This was at the time when the fields were located past the Corum Saw Mill along Noix Creek. The LHS football games were played there as well. Aaron's parents owned and operated the general store in Annada through the 50's and 60's. At one point the store burned. Aaron helped his parents at that time by laying many of the concrete blocks and all that was necessary to get the new store going. All of the family helped to keep the store open and the new one going as soon as possible. Aaron always loved to build and could make good use of any scrap around. In the 1980's and 1990's Aaron was active in the Gideons International group that helped get New Testaments to those who wanted them. Aaron passed away October 18, 2011 at Pike County Hospital. Margaret passed away this past June 28 at St. Joseph West Hospital, Lake St. Louis .. Aaron is survived by two sisters, Lena May Graham and Trudi Stewart. He was preceded in death by his brother Gene Hemphill and his sisters Elizabeth Windmiller and Donna Wright. Margaret is survived by one brother Bill Cox. She was preceded in death by her brothers Taylor Cox and Don Cox. and sisters Vernita Pollock, Emma Simpson, Reba Wetzel, and Margie Donnelly. Aaron and Margaret had 10 grandchildren: Anna Hemphill. Aaron Hemphill and wife Christy, Rachel Hemphill, Hannah Barrett and husband Brian, Jessie St. Pierre and husband Henry, Luke Hemphill and wife Amanda, Janie Jacobs and husband Brouck, Josiah Forkner and wife Brittany, Jed Forkner and wife, Dawn Forkner and Zak Forkner. Ten great-grandchildren survive: Anna and Jack St. Pierre, Jennalie, Braeden, and Marissa Hemphill, Lincoln, Devon and Brooklyn Forkner, Grace Luanne Forkner and Blake HemphilL Many nieces nephews and other relatives survive. Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, Missouri. The Rev. Randall Cone officiated. Burial was at the Jordan-Buffalo Cemetery near Louisiana, Missouri. Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20th at the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers were grandsons and great grandsons, Aaron Hemphill IV, Luke Hemphill, Josiah Forkner, Jed Forkner, Zak Forkner, Jack St. Pierre, Braeden Hemphill, Lincoln Forkner, Devon Forkner, and Blake Hemphill. Active Pallbearers were Bill Blakey, Don Mirick, Gary Stewart, Keith Stewart, Larry Wright, Bob Wright, Brad Hemphill, Stan Hemphill.

Aaron Hemphill

November 11, 1924 - October 18, 2011