Mr. Frank Artemus Hemphill

August 19, 1939 - March 4, 2017

Frank Artemus Ward Hemphill, Jr., 77, of Kalamazoo, MI, formerly of Lafayette, LA, passed away March 4, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer. He was born and raised in Lafayette to Frank Artemus Hemphill, Sr. and Alida du Bois. He attended Western Michigan University and received a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Master of Science in Librarianship. In 1961, he joined the Air Force and served with distinction for seven years before being honorably discharged. He began work as the City Librarian of Portage, MI in 1966, work he was particularly proud of. After faithfully devoting 31 years of his professional career to the Portage District Library, he was awarded the title of Founding Librarian in 2013. In his later years he traveled frequently with his partner in their motor coach, visiting family across the country and spending time in Florida. He took great joy in walking his dogs and reading a good book. He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Robert McCormick; his five children: Elizabeth and Samuel Harper-Hemphill, Katlynn, Samuel, and William McCormick; his grandson, Logan McCormick; his sister, Mona Hollier, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister Maxine Bonnet. A Memorial Service will be held 12 Noon Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane in Portage, MI 49002. *****IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Portage District Library or to the Prairie View Dog Park (please address checks to the: KALAMAZOO TREASURER and mail donations to the: KALAMAZOO COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT, 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048).