War Stories Database
George Franklin Hemphill
By Shirley A. Hemphill
Service Date:
George Franklin Hemphill was born on August 14, 1941. Affectionately known as "Frank," at an early age, George moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and resided with his grandmother, Lela Medrais, his Uncle James, and two aunts, Sarah and Roxie. He was influenced greatly by his uncle Earnest Medrais. George grew up in the neighborhood at 25th Street and Columbia Avenue. He attended public schools, and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. He confessed to God at an early age and joined the Martindale Church of Christ where he was an active member. He made many friends and was involved in many activities. He was an Army veteran and served proudly as a Ranking of Sargent E-5 38th Infantry Division Artillery until his honorable discharge in February, 1966 after serving 4 years of active duty. On February 2, 1962, he joined the Indiana Army Reserve National Guard unit. And during this time, George had met and dated his current wife for 5 years before uniting in Holy Matrimony on June 14th of 1964. The union was blessed with three beautiful children, Robin Alicia, Anita Kay and George Franklin III. Also were 4 blessed grandchildren, Trista Elise, Cameron Lee, Deja Marie and Jaden Isaiah. He worked at Chrysler for over 35 years, starting in the foundry in 1964, then moving to the Electrical Plant on 30th and Shadeland until it closed and eventually he was transferred to the Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Indiana. George, while working at the Plant, wanted to enhance his chance for promotion, so he attended Indiana Business College and earned a degree in Business Administration. He specialized in various positions, such as machine operator, job setter, Fork Truck driver and Janitor heat-treat worker. He developed analytical skills for machine acknowledgement and computers. The courses allowed him to work with and on computer technology. He developed perfect attendance record for 30 years of service and received various plaques and awards. Detailed oriented individual team player, hard worker, fast learner, George was a very proud and smart man. He was a listener, a good overall individual. Our family will truly miss his presence in the coming months and years.
