Joseph Russell Hemp

Joseph "Jay" Hemp, 89, of Bella Vista, AR, formerly of Springfield, died at 2:05 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Illinois VA Hospital. Jay was born April 10, 1922 in Chicago, the son of Russell and Bertha DeCastro Hemp. He Married Mary Jean Fenley on April 20, 1979. Jay retired from the State of Illinois and had worked for and was part owner of Capital City Fire Extinguisher, Springfield Sun Newspaper and Electric Co-Op. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942 1946. Jay enjoyed woodworking and photography in his earlier days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Mary Ellen Hemp. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jean Hemp of Bella Vista, AR; sons, Stephen Hemp, Mark (wife, Mary) Hemp and Philip Hemp, all of Springfield; grandchildren, Robin Jones, Sara (husband, Keith) Okie and Israel Hemp; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 11:00-11:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Illinois Veterans Home, Markword Wing, 1707 N. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301.