Elbert, Sr. Dempsey

Elbert Dempsey, Sr. passed away Wed., Jan. 18, 2006 at the Groves at the age of 104. He retained a clear mind and positive outlook to the end. His latest goal was to live to March 29 when he would be 105 and share the family record for longevity. Elbert was born March 29, 1901, to Arthur and Sarah Dempsey in Council Bluffs, IA. He attended Graceland College, where he met Frances Hortense Hill, his wife of 73 years until her death in 1994. He is survived by three children, Elbert, Jr. and his wife Esther, Thomas and his wife Myradene, all of Independence; and Sue Jane Howell, Soldatna, AK. Twin sons preceded him in death: Arthur died at age 9 from pneumonia; Frank died with a special unit created by the Army to spearhead the Allied breakthrough from the Normandy Beachhead at St. Lo, France. He leaves 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. One of his great interests was singing. For many years he sang tenor with the RLDS Church Radio Quartette. He sang 26 years in the Messiah Choir and at numerous weddings and funerals. For years he was in the real estate business with his father-in-law, Frank Hill. After their children were married, he and Hortense fulfilled a long-standing dream to live on the West Coast. They spent many happy years in Washington and California. He was an Elder in the Community of Christ and among his many responsibilities served as pastor in Yakima, Washington, and Fontana, California. He enjoyed good health and was entirely independent in his own home until shortly before his 102nd birthday. At that time a back problem forced his move to the Rosewood Care Center. There, his gracious manner and pleasing personality made him a favorite of the staff. There will be a visitation with the family at the East 39th Street Community of Christ, 15006 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO., at 2:30 pm, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:30 pm.