Claude William "Bill" Hembree

Claude William “Bill” Hembree, age 87, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 16, 2023, surrounded by family in Great Falls, Montana. His presence in our lives will be missed forever.

The first of three children, Bill was born to William E. and Lois Hembree on 4 June 1936, in Tacoma, Washington.

He spent his childhood years in both Washington (Tacoma and Yakima) and Wilsall, Montana. Much of his time outside of school and during the summers was spent in Wilsall as a ranch-hand helping his Grandpa Claude and Grandma Reba Metier. He was the only one that his grandpa allowed to drive both the “CAT” and the G model John Deere tractor. He also had a love for playing baseball and was a left-handed pitcher. He graduated high school in Wilsall, Montana, May of 1954. Shortly after that and while on a baseball scouting trip in Billings, Montana, rather than sign a baseball contract, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) on June 7, 1954.  After that, he would always say… the rest is history!

He married Carol Bliler in 1954; together they raised 4 beautiful daughters, often referred to as the 4 J’s.  Bill and Carol divorced in 1990. Bill met Penny Tincher (Bogard) in 1993, they later married on August 5, 1995, and enjoyed their lives together, living in Missoula, MT; Henderson, NV; Apache Junction, AZ; and Kent, WA before coming back to Great Falls, MT in 2020.

Bill’s Air Force career spanned 20 years as an airman and noncommissioned officer that took him to several states and countries throughout the world.  He worked on the bomb navigation and low-level radar systems for the B-52 aircraft, clocking many flight hours in what he called the most majestic aircraft or “bird” of all time. His last 4 years were served in England with the F-111 program, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, culminating a distinguished career in the service of his country.  Bill was a patriot through and through and loved serving his country. After his retirement, he took on various jobs. He continued to relish in love of service and country and built a museum-like “Patriot Room” in his house, giving honor to his service and others who served. The thread of military tradition continues in some of Bill’s grandchildren.

Outside of work, Bill enjoyed the great outdoors, be it hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He also loved to bowl and was great at it. So much so, that when he went to England for his last assignment, the only two things he carried with him on the plane across the ocean was his suitcase and his bowling balls.  He had a quick wit and loved to innocently prank people. A couple of the stories he would tell was the time as a kid at school when he snared a gopher while at recess and then tied it to his teacher’s desk drawer only to see her reaction when she pulled at the drawer, or the time he got pulled over for speeding and convinced the officer he was following someone in order to make a citizen’s arrest. The stories never got old, no matter how many times he told them. Amusing tales that generated good fun and tears full of laughter.

Bill loved and cared deeply for all his family and enjoyed spending time with them whenever and wherever he could. He was a man of his word with strong convictions and faith, a force for good who had much respect for life. He appreciated the daily splendor of nature, gardens and animals (especially his cats) and in retirement worked tirelessly on landscaping projects be it perfecting his lawn and nourishing his many colorful flower beds while also being sure to adorn them with patriotic American flags. He is remembered as an amazing, strong, courageous and kind husband, father and grandfather.

Bill leaves behind his loving wife Penny of Great Falls; his 4 daughters, Janet Lee (Rick) of Highwood, MT, Joy Korst of Great Falls, MT, Jackie Johnston (John) of Auburn, WA, and Jeri Carlson of Edgewood WA; 2 stepdaughters, Brenda Tincher (Thatcher Hubbard) of Seattle, WA and Laura Conner (Aaron) of Hamilton, MT; grandchildren, Colin Lee (Jaci), Mike Lee, Philip Lee, Bill Lee (Britnee), Brett Korst, Jerrod Korst (Brittany), Ryan Carothers, Tyler Carothers, Kelli Carlson, Janell Carlson, Jake Carlson; step-grandchildren Forrest Fox, Carson Fox, Cadence Fox, and Levi Conner; 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lois; first wife, Carol Hembree; brother, Guy Hembree; and sister, Carol Bishop.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Emmanuel Bible Church in Great Falls. Bill will be interred with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery at a later date in the Spring of 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Park Place Health Center.

Please share your condolences and memories of Bill at www.OConnorFuneralHome.com as we come together to honor and remember a life well-lived.

Rest in Peace Sweet Patriot

Forever remembered and dearly missed.