Wally Hempton

 WALLY HEMPTON

Walter Earl Hempton, 78, of Cass City, passed away at his home on the farm with his family by his side Wednesday, June 25, 2025 following a lengthy illness. A devoted son, father, teammate, and Teamster, Wally was born September 28, 1946 in Cass City to John James “Jim” and Mabel (Libert) Hempton. He married Dianne LaPeer in December of 1972.

A graduate of Cass City High School in 1964, he excelled at all four sports offered at the time, winning the Paul Smarks Award, as the top athlete in his class, and earning All-State honors in each sport his senior year. Upon graduation, he attended Central Michigan University on a football scholarship and also played baseball, earning 5 varsity letters and establishing the CMU career records for pass receptions and receiving yards. He was all conference in his three varsity football seasons and also selected as the Chippewa team MVP his senior year. Upon leaving CMU, Wally enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the 101st Airborne Division, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals for meritorious achievements.

Upon returning home from his service, he was hired by United Parcel Service in Cass City as a package car driver. Wally spent thirty-four years driving for UPS, retiring in 2006 with a perfect driving record. His final route of Harbor Beach was his favorite, which he delivered for twenty plus years. A lifelong farmer, he worked and expanded the family farm in New Greenleaf that was established by his grandfather and father before him.

Wally played fastpitch softball for many years after his collegiate career ended and was a proud member of two state championship teams from Cass City; the 1968 Class C champion Erla’s team and the 1984 Class AA (open) champion Croft Clara Lumber team. An avid golfer in retirement, he could be found at Rolling Hills just after daybreak each day with his close friend, Dick Patnaude.

Left to honor his memory are his wife, Dianne of fifty-two years; children: Deanna (Terry) Hempton, Wendy Hempton, and Jim (Christin) Hempton; grandchildren: Marissa (Ryan) Summersett, Chris (Kelly) Summersett, Lauryn Hempton, and Charlie Hempton. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Betty Ellicott, Roberta Hempton, and Charles Hempton.

Quiet and always humble, his final wishes were for a private funeral that has already taken place. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Phil Nichols and Mark Zmierski for their assistance with VA matters and the many caregivers that helped during his illness. Those wishing to contribute to his memory may choose to make a memorial donation to the Cass City High School baseball team or the Cass City V.F.W.

 Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City