Obituary of Patrick Lee Hemphill

Patrick Lee Hemphill, 67, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph due to complications he suffered from a heart attack on Saturday, October 25, 2014 with his family by his side. Pat was born on March 10, 1947 to the late Clayton and Doris (Connors) Hemphill in Niles, Michigan. He was one of four children growing up in the Hemphill household. After graduating from Niles High School Pat enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. where he proudly served his country, during combat, in Vietnam. In 1969 Pat wed Patricia Murray and the they had two children. Though they later divorced they remained friends. When he was younger Pat loved to bowl and golf and did so until his health prevented him from doing so. Pat was also a member of the American Legion Post 26 and a past member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 978. Pat was also an avid Cubs, Bears and Notre Dame Fan. Pat is preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Doris and brother Carl Hemphill. He is survived by his wonderful dog and constant companion, Katie; children, Brent Hemphill of Niles and Tami (Doug) Bagarus of Mishawaka; grandchildren, Landon, Rylin and Holly Bagarus; siblings Mary (David) Smith of Niles and Curt (Gretchen Langschwager) Hemphill of Niles; Nephew Darren (Katy) Smith of Buchanan and a host of extended family in the Niles area. A time of visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2014. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Pat's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project located at PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.