Harold L. Hemingson

Harold L. Hemingson, 98, passed away in Austin on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. As a member of "The Greatest Generation" he was born on September 9, 1913 in Allison, Iowa. His Danish immigrant father and Pennsylvania Dutch mother farmed for a living and, like many kids growing up during the Depression, Harold learned the value of hard work. At age four he was off to a one room school house, and by age seven he could milk a cow with the best of them. In these formative years he studied hard, understood the value of being part of a team and helping your neighbor, regularly attended church with his family, and graduated from Shell Rock High School in 1931.

Harold graduated in 1938 with a Bachelors degree in Commerce from University of Iowa and joined the Moorman Company in Quincy, Illinois, where he met his wife of sixty years, Mary Elizabeth McDannold, to whom he was wed on October 5, 1940. Called to Army active duty in 1942, he trained in Georgia and Texas and deployed to the Philippines in 1945. VJ Day brought an end to hostilities and he was released from active duty. Harold enhanced his leadership and organizational experience with Dale Carnegie courses and joined Investors Diversified Services in 1947, where he received numerous sales leadership awards, earned a Certified Life Underwriting certification, and was named to the Millionaire Club in 1980. After a long and rewarding career he retired from the company (then known as American Express) at age 80 in 1993.

As an involved citizen, Harold was active in a number of community organizations, including the Scouting program ranging from Cubs to Explorers. He was an officer in PTA organizations in Brentwood Elementary School, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School, where he was honored with a Life Membership for outstanding service. He also served on the board of directors for the American Red Cross and Austin MHMR. Additionally, he joined the Army Reserve program after release from active duty, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and retired in 1973. Many would observe that Harold's contributions were built on a foundation of strong faith in God, a positive attitude, and a consistent desire to serve his fellow man.

A long time member and Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Austin, Harold was Sunday School director, a member of numerous committees, and received special honors in 2004 for his leadership and contributions spanning more than fifty years of service.

If Harold could look back and describe his biggest successes in life, he would most likely say that service to his customers, church, community, country, and the family he and Mary raised were his proudest achievements. In close to a hundred years, he set the example for compassion, values, and hard work to achieve success while at the same time enjoying life and bringing joy and happiness to the lives of others through his caring ways and lively sense of humor.

Harold was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth in 2000 and seven of his eleven brothers and sisters.

He is survived by son, Kent and wife, Carol, Hemingson of Austin; son, Dan Hemingson of Austin, son, David Hemingson and Caroline Rapking of Reston, VA, son, Glen Hemingson of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren and spouses, Lori and Kevin Mitchell, Todd and Shelly Hemingson, Tate and Jennifer Hemingson; great grandchildren, Grant and Paige Hemingson, Morgan and Madison Mitchell, and Elliette and Penelope Hemingson.

Special appreciation also goes to the capable and caring staff at Emeritus at Spicewood Springs.

Memorial Services will be conducted at four o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 30th of August, at the First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity, Austin, Texas. Private interment with Military Honors will be held.

In lieu of flowers and the customary remembrances, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity, Austin, Texas 78701.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.