Robert Hemphill

Robert was reared in Nocona and Houston, Texas.

On July 26, 1950, Robert entered the United States Army where he served with distinction in the 2nd Armored Division, stationed in Germany, attaining the rank of Sergeant. On June 28, 1952, Robert was Honorably Discharged from the Army and then began a 5-year commitment to the U.S. Army Reserves. Over the years, Robert fondly spoke of his commander, General Eisenhower, both proudly hailing from Texas.

Robert was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marie Kopycinski, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Rosenberg, Texas, on June 6, 1953. Thereafter, they lived in Houston, Texas, where together they embraced life and lovingly reared three children. Robert and Marie enjoyed 67 years of marriage before she passed in September of 2020.

Robert was employed by Humble Oil / Exxon for 42 years, starting his career as a “Roustabout” at the Katy Gas Plant and completing his career as a Project Manager for Exxon USA, downtown Houston. Robert possessed an intrinsic creativity for building whatever he wanted, from engines and welding machines to gooseneck and utility trailers, barbecue pits, which talent led to him teaching a welding class in the evenings at the University of Houston. He was an ardent fan of University of Houston football.

Robert loved his family and enjoyed all the wonderful times together at their Houston home or at the family farm in East Texas. Robert had a passion for riding his horses and delighted in watching his grazing cattle from the front porch in East Texas. Robert enjoyed trail rides in Polk County and was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. He was full of stories of Lisa B, his favorite horse, and ostensibly one of the best horses ever. He was enamored by the dedication of his childhood pit bull, Ol’ Blue, who actually saved Robert from the clutches of an angry bull. He and his wife Marie were enthusiastic fans of the Houston Astros from their founding in 1962. Robert possessed an innate mechanical mind and was a consummate tinkerer at the barn. He relished hunting and the outdoors, having taught his son hunting at a very young age. Robert was an active and successful deer hunter through his 80s.

Robert was an active member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for over 30 years, having celebrated many of life’s milestones there.

Robert is survived by his three children: Robert A. Hemphill (Joy) of Spring, Texas; Terri Picard (Chris) of Sugar Land, Texas; Donna Hemphill (Jana Ostergrant) of Pearland, Texas; eight grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Robert’s family would like to thank Visiting Angels for their care, especially the kindness and dedication of Patsy and Katrina.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m., at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home, 1200 W. 34th Street, Houston, Texas.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman, Houston, Texas.

A committal service will occur Friday, April 22, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pathfoleyfuneraldirectors.com for the Hemphill family.