Don Hemperley

Friday, October 14, 2011
Don Hemperley

Lt. Col. Don Wayne Hemperley, (USAF ret.), 62, of Mountain Home, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton, La.

Don was born on Aug. 7, 1949, to Janis Hemperley Franklin and Don Carlos Hemperley. Don attended grade school in Hosston, La., and graduated from North Caddo High School in Vivian, La.

He joined the United States Air Force, immediately after graduating from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., where his major was architecture.

Don received training at Lubbock, Texas, where he also received his wings, and he was a pilot of an F-111 plane. During his Air Force career, Don was stationed in England and the European headquarters in Frankfort, Germany. After 21 years of active service, Don retired in Mountain Home.

Don is survived by his mother, Janis, of Benton, La., a step-sister, Becky, and her husband, Gregg Brown, his step-brother, Tom, and his wife, Karen Franklin, and his aunts, Mouton Hemperley, Gloria Frantom and Rena McKinney. He had many cousins, whom he loved, and his special friend, Victory Gaffin.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Don loved his family and friends as well as his dogs, Drake and Aspen. He was a loving and caring son and friend.

Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.