William I. "Bill" Hemphill

Major William Ivan Hemphill, 89, USAF retired, died peacefully at home Friday, July 2, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. A private family graveside service will be held later at Fouke, Arkansas. Bill was born November 27, 1931, in Clay Center, Kansas, the son of Ivan N. and Beatrice A. (Fox) Hemphill. He grew up living in Wichita, Kansas, moving to Irving, Texas where he lived several years. In 2001, Bill moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where he made his home until his death. He graduated from Wichita North High School, with the class of 1949. Bill served 22 years active and reserve in the United States Air Force, from 1950 to 1972. On December 14, 1974, Bill was united in marriage to Rebecca Robertson in Irving, Texas. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Bill was employed as an insurance underwriter with Houston General for many years. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Overland Park. Bill enjoyed watching sports, family history, tinkering and working with his tools. Above all, spending time with his family and grandchildren were most important. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Karen Dyck, and brother Gene Hemphill. Survivors include his wife Rebecca “Becky” Hemphill of the home; two children, Theresa “Terri” Niles (Clair) of Ottawa, and William G. “Bill” Hemphill (Gayle) of Overland Park, KS; five grandchildren, Derreck Turner (Patricia) of Fort Myers, FL, Brian Turner (Cynthia) of Kansas City, MO, Amerantha Dyuaaxchs of Claremont, CA, Genny Gagne' (Ivan) of San Diego, CA, and Daniel Hemphill (Gaberella) of Olathe, KS; seven great-grandchildren, Sonia Baker (Todd) of Westwood, KS, Quinn Turner of Kansas City, MO, Corin Turner also of Kansas City, MO, Derreck George Turner of Fort Myers, FL, Kieran Hemphill of Olathe, KS, Evelyan Gagne' of San Diego, CA, and Emmalin Hemphill of Olathe, KS; and two great-great-grandchildren, Milena Baker and Zelda Baker of Westwood, KS.