The Reverend Elmer E. Hemphill Sr., 89, Yates Center, formerly of Buffalo and Chanute, died Monday, March 19, 2012 at Yates Center Health Care.

Elmer was born in Pryor, Okla., on Nov. 22, 1922, the son of Birt and LillianViola Stout Hemphill. He attended schools in Oklahoma.

He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1942 until his discharge as a Corporal in 1946, after serving in the Pacific and at Pearl Harbor.

Elmer was united in marriage to Vona Clark in 2008 in Buffalo. She survives, of the home.

Elmer was ordained as a minister on Dec. 8, 1955. He served at the Fellowship Tabernacle Church in Chanute for 21 years and last served the Buffalo Christian Church.

He is survived by a son, Elmer E. Hemphill Jr. and his wife, Jill, Lenexa; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anita, and two daughters, Linda Bass and Pamela Hemphill.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. on Monday, March 26 at Faith Bible Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the church.

Memorials in his name may be made to the American Legion Riders and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com