Merwin Wells “Hap” Hemphill
1936-2016
EDMOND – Dr. Merwin Wells “Hap” Hemphill of Edmond passed away, his wife by his side, on July 7, 2016 at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on July 17, 1936 in Austin, TX. Hap met Janet Daigh of Twin Falls, ID while attending The University of Michigan. They were married in Twin Falls, Idaho on September 6, 1958. He then went on to earn a B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Michigan in 1960, a M.P.H. from The University of Texas in 1972, and a D.P.H. from The University of Oklahoma in 1979.
Hap applied himself in the professions of business, industry, government, biostatistics and academia. Starting out as Professional Engineer with DuPont in Seaford, DE he also gained technical and administrative experiences applying statistical analysis while at Bonner and Moore, the U.S. Public Health Service, and finally with the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission in Austin, TX. In addition he held an Academic Appointment at the University of Texas at Austin and authored numerous technical and industry publications.
Hap found great satisfaction in serving and helping others personally and through professional and industry organizations. A member of First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, Hap also served as a longtime Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, Stephen Minister, and volunteer for Whiz Kids of Oklahoma City. A proponent of physical wellbeing, other interests included family gatherings, gardening and being an avid collector of information, while always placing value on education, experiences and high standards.
Hap is survived by his loving wife Janet of 57 years, children Lynda and Randy Hearn of Edmond, Karen and Doug Hauser of Kingfisher, David and Tammy Hemphill of Kingwood, TX; grandchildren Brian and Whitney Hauser, Kim and David Wood, Blane Hauser, and Conner, Parker, Amber and Ty Hemphill; great granddaughters Brenna and Claire Hauser.
Hap is preceded in death by his parents Dr. F.M. and Wilma Hemphill and his sister Dr. Patricia F. Beilke.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, on July 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Edmond Cooks Night Out program, HOPE Center of Edmond, or The YMCA of Edmond on Rankin Ave.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.www.redo1.dev.
Many prayers are being said for your sweet family.
So sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am in Thailand and was just informed about “Hap” and am sorry to hear of your loss. Hap was a true gentleman and one of the nicest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. We knew each other from Troop 5 in Austin and also lived in the same Austin neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.