Burl Hemken

Burl William Hemken, 99, of Walshville, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at 4:05 a.m. at Hillsboro Health Care Center. He was born Jan. 3, 1910, in Walshville, the son of the late Henry and Ada (Vogel) Hemken. He married Lucy Ellen Slagel on Nov. 7, 1936, at Hillsboro; she died on Oct. 10, 2002.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Darrell Hemken; daughter, Myrna Worker; grandson, Danny Worker; brother, Russell Hemken; and sister, Ruby Hughes.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m. at the Perfetti Funeral Home, Sorento, the Rev. Oley Lawson officiating. Burial will follow at Kirkland Cemetery, rural Sorento. Friends may call Saturday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Perfetti Funeral Home.

Mr. Hemken farmed most of his life and also worked as a carpenter. He was a member of the Walshville Baptist Church, Shoal Creek Fox Hunters Association, National Trappers Association and the National Rifle Association.

He leaves three sons, Burton Hemken of Walshville, Norman (wife Donna) Hemken of Hillsboro, and Carl (wife Denise) Hemken of Walshville; one daughter, Norma (husband Kerry) Elam of Boss, MO; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Otto Hemken of Walshville; and one sister, Emma Ledbetter of Greenville.

Memorials are suggested to the Walshville Baptist Church.