Gene H. Hemphill
Gene H. Hemphill
80, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
He was born in Joliet, Illinois and was the son of the late Clair J. and Alice E. “Betty” Watson Hemphill. Gene was raised on a grain farm in northern Illinois and attended North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. After his education, he chose a career path in communications, starting with nine years as a journalist and columnist until his farm roots drew him back to agriculture and managing media relations for the Illinois Farm Bureau. Beginning in 1981, he served as an agricultural spokesperson and speechwriter for President Reagan and Secretary of Agriculture John R. Block. He began working for New Holland in July 1987 and was a manager of North American Industry Affairs when he retired in 2009. Gene worked as a reporter for the Joliet Herald-News, writing his column “Hempline”.
He was devoted to his work, but enjoyed evenings cooking on the grill and listening to his lifelong favorite, Elvis Presley. His family will remember him for his storytelling ability—especially his witty travel tales and humorous life anecdotes.
Gene is survived by four children Jennifer (Kevin-late) Hemphill-Tatroe, Adam (Shawn Taylor) Hemphill, Marc (Whitney White) Hemphill, and Megan (Doug Betley-fiance’) Hemphill. His three grandchildren Hadden, Ronin, and Daegan. His siblings Lois (Jerry) Walker, Ray (Lisa) Hemphill, and Ross (Joyce) Hemphill.
A celebration of life will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to the American Heart Association will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 A.M. until time of services.
April 26, 2025 – 11:00am cst
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