Apr. 15, 1924 - Apr. 15, 2018
Date of Service: Apr. 19, 2018
Richard Hemsley, 94, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2018.
Dick was born on April 15, 1924, in Plano, Idaho, to James Jensen Hemsley and Lucy Elva Southworth, as an only child. He was raised in Plano, farming with his dad. When he was 14, he went to Weiser, Idaho, where he learned to be an auto mechanic at a trade school. Being very patriotic, at 17, he enlisted in the Army, serving in WWII. Upon returning, he married the love of his life, WaNola S. Thomson, on September 23, 1949, at Mack's Inn, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were married for 69 years, raising five wonderful children along the way.
Dick worked as an auto mechanic, starting his own shop in Rupert, Idaho, where he was very generous with his time and talents, never turning anyone away from getting service. He loved spending time with his family, you could usually find them camping and fishing.
He served in various capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He also served a mission with his wife to Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri, from 1985-87. In his later years, he and his wife spent countless hours doing family history research for the church.
He is survived by his wife, WaNola; children: Sam (Garth) Williams, Burley; Richard (Julieann) Hemsley, Rupert; Vickie (Jim) Turney, Burley; and Nola (Reed) Swenson, Spanish Fork, UT; 14 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jim.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Acequia LDS Church. Viewing for family and friends will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at the Mortuary and for one hour prior to the services at the church. Services will conclude with burial in the Rupert Cemetery with military honors provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans.
The family would like to thank Dr. Page and Horizon Home Health & Hospice for their loving care - especially Shauna, Melissa, and Mari.
Funeral Service
Date of Service: Apr. 19, 2018
