Robert John Hempfling

Bob was born in Los Angeles, California in 1930 to John and Daisy (Ryan) Hempfling and grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood. His favorite childhood stories always included his dog Jeff Davis and his horse named Danny. He followed in his brother Edward’s footsteps and attended St John’s Catholic Seminary in Camarillo, California. After graduation rather than joining the priesthood, he joined the US Air Force and spent the next 30 years traveling the world as an Air Force officer. His overseas deployments included French Morocco, Spain, Vietnam, Germany and Korea. He also spent many TDY’s all over the US, Middle East and Central America.

He was married in 1966 to Elizabeth Cochban Watson while stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas. He and Elizabeth raised their four children while living at different air bases in Little Rock, Phoenix, and finally Austin, where they moved in 1971.

Bob was an accomplished cook and a devoted Catholic. He was a lifelong Dodgers fan, and often frustrated Cowboys fan. He loved a good party especially at one of his children’s homes. He traveled often to Spain, and was a frequent guest on cruise lines while sailing around the world. Most of all he was an exceptionally kind and devoted husband and father.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth and his children Melony, Julia & her husband Greg Weichbrodt, Robert Jr. & his wife Lesley, and John. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jack, James, Carrie Beth and Ellen. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Edward & Ted and his sister Edith.

A private mass and family memorial will be held for him at St. Louis Catholic Church in Austin.