Robert L. Hemmings

1917 - 2014 Born in Boone, Iowa, November 25, 1917. His family made the trek to Pasadena in August of 1923, just in time to see the opening of the Rose Bowl and the first Rose Bowl game and the 1923 Tournament of Roses Parade. Bob is a product of Pasadena Schools. Kindergarden at Jefferson Elementary, Junior High School at Marshall then High School at Pasadena High School. The 1932 earthquake caused the buildings to be condemned and tents were erected on the campus to serve as classrooms. Graduating in 1935, quit school and went to work for the Los Angeles Times where he wrote classified advertising copy and learned to sell on the telephone. In 1937 Bob enrolled at USC selecting his major in Journalism and a minor in Marketing. In 1939. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Officer Candidate Program. Graduating in June, 1941, Bob traded his civilian clothes for a Marine Corps uniform and a commision as 2nd Lieutenant. Ordered to the 2nd Marine Division, he participated in the battle on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. Recurring Malaria brought him home for a 90 day furlough and marriage to Peggy Pierce. Bob returned to duty as commanding officer of the Marine detachment aboard the Light Cruiser U.S.S. Cleveland where he participated in the battle for Okinawa. Bob was one of the few Marines who served on the land, the sea and in the air. Prior to the Saipan landings he completed training as an air observer. Earning his wings he flew missions over the Islands before and during the battle, for this he was awarded the Bronze Star with a combat "V". He retired from the Corps as a Lt. Colonel. In 1946 he returned to civilian life opening a direct response advertising agency. Active in community service he was President of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles and a member of the Tournament of Roses of which he is an Honorary Director. On November 18, 2014 Bob and Peggy celebrated 70 years of marriage with two daughters Ann Wilkes and Jill Coddington; Sons-in-law Dennis Wilkes and Jim Coddington; six grandchildren, Heather, Rob, John, Ashley, Grant and Jennifer; 10 Great Grandchildren, Chloe, Ella, Cole, Tanner, Kaylee, Grace, Cameron, Grady, Ryan, and Evan. A good life, well lived. Semper Fi. A private family remembrance service will be held as requested by Bob. Contributions may be made in his name to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Cabot & Sons, Pasadena