Name: Visitation for Leroy Hampton
Start: 2022-12-26T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-12-27T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors - Midland Chapel

Leroy Hampton
Leroy Hampton, 95, of Midland, MI passed away on December 10, 2022. Leroy was born on April 20, 1927, to Ed Levi and Kitty Annie (Larry) Hampton in Ingalls, Arkansas. He would spend much of his childhood in Warren, Arkansas, where he grew up on a farm, while also spending time with relatives in town. When Leroy wasn't tending to his farm chores, he could be found sprawled out in the barn, reading a book. His love of reading and learning would encompass the rest of his life. Through books, Leroy was able to see the world beyond his stark, Depression-era existence. This would lead him to join the Navy, immediately upon graduation from high school; he first arrived in Illinois and would eventually be stationed in Newport, Rhode Island.
Following an honorary discharge from the Navy, Leroy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Colorado and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Denver University.
It was while living in Denver, attending school, that he met his wife-to-be, Anne Herndon. Leroy was also working as a pharmacist at that time. Later, he would be hired as a chemist, by the Dow Chemical Company. In Denver, Leroy and Anne married and started a family together. In the course of time, Leroy received a promotion and was transferred to Dow Chemical's headquarters in Midland, MI, where he continued working until his retirement in 1986.
The more leisurely lifestyle of retirement, however, did not suit Leroy well, so he was quick to acquire another job, this one at Saginaw State University, in a position working directly for the Vice President of the University. Before retiring for good, he would eventually return to working as a pharmacist, at Coleman Pharmacy in Coleman, MI.
In addition to his focus on career and family, Leroy was also involved in his community. He was on the Board of Directors at the Dow Credit Union, on the Board of Directors at Spectrum of Solutions, Vice President of the Midland Board of Education, President of the Kiwanis Club of Midland and on the Board of Directors at The Arc of Midland. He was also on the Midland/Dow Community Advisory Panel, a Deacon at Memorial Presbyterian Church, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Leroy enjoyed photography, music, the performing arts and travel, including camping. The Hampton family traveled all around the US and Leroy would capture these vacations on camera.
People who knew Leroy described him as friendly, kind, generous, intelligent, and funny. His wife and four of his five children (Mary White, Gloria Clark, Stanley Hampton, and Cedric Hampton) preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter Candice Hampton, daughter-in-law Judy Hampton, Goddaughter Rushaun Harris, grandchildren Tanisha Hampton, Shaun Hampton, Ricky Clark, Daron White and Kevin White. He is also survived by great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and Oliver, the family dog.
He will be deeply missed by many others, including friends, neighbors, health care professionals and in-home workers.
Visitation will be on December 26, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home in Midland, MI and the funeral will be held on December 27 at 11:00 a.m., at Memorial Presbyterian Church, in Midland, MI, followed by a cemetery service at Midland Municipal Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Daily News on Dec. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Leroy Hampton

12 Entries

Candice Hampton

January 3, 2023

Remembering Dad

My dad was a superhero in my eyes. In my eyes and in the eyes of many others. There seemed to be nothing he couldn´t master.

He encouraged me to embrace education-in and out of the classroom. He identified opportunities for learning all around him. On our family vacations, he always found a way to weave in an educational discussion on the history of the region or explain the science behind some of the natural wonders we would come across.

My love of adventure stems from dad´s passion for exploration, discovery and the pursuit of the unknown. He possessed a natural curiosity and the conviction that a closed door isn´t necessarily a locked door.

Dad was the ultimate problem solver who approached any difficulty with a calculated reasoning that would result in a practical solution. He didn´t allow emotion to cloud his thinking and had the ability to expand his thought processes outside the constraints of the box.

He was also known for his smart-witted sense of humor, which was infused into whatever situation he might find himself in. Even in the saddest of times, dad knew how to tastefully sow lightheartedness into the melancholy.

He was the greatest role model I could have ever asked for.

People were drawn to him. Wherever we would go, strangers would strike up a conversation with him. All kinds of people, from various backgrounds, felt comfortable approaching him.

Though he lived for 95 years, he never really grew old. There was always a youthfulness about dad. He stayed current with the latest trends, though he was decidedly not a fan of smart phones, smart TVs, etc. When he learned of the concept of a smart home, he was quick to say that he had no desire to have a home that was smarter than he was.

I miss you dad. May you rest in peace.

Gregory Richardson

December 31, 2022

It was an honor to know Mr. Hampton and to babysit Candice and Cedric in the late 1960´s.
RIP

Cheryle Saunders

December 30, 2022

Just remember what a lovely gentleman he was from church. Also loved his wife´s talent in making hats!
Very special couple. He led quite a giving life!

Verita and Wesley Cloyd

December 27, 2022

To Candice and the Hampton family. The Cloyd family extends our condolences to you and your family. We were so saddened and heart broken to hear about Leroy. We have fond memories through the years. His warmth, kind gentle spirit and witty since of humor always made us burst into laughter. He was a wonderful person who we admired and looked up to as a father figure, role model and leader in our community. He was full of wisdom, intelligence, with a tremendous knowledge of medicine. He's the person you go to for advice. I´ll always cherish the wonderful memories I had with your family. It was being part of a loving extended family away from home. I enjoyed the fun times at family gatherings, and shared love of classical music. l'll forever cherish the beautiful memories with Leroy. Your Dad led a remarkable life and we are so grateful to have known him and been part of his life and legacy. We love him and we'll miss him dearly.

Lyndia C Lewis

December 26, 2022

Ms Lyndia Lewis
I remember always looking forward to a visit from Aunt Ann and Uncle Leroy. Uncle Leroy, a quiet man of great dignity, was always thoughtful, engaging, and humorous in a quiet manner-the opposite of my wonderful Aunt Ann. The two were a great example of "opposites attract." The Hampton visits from Denver or Midland were always big events for our family. Uncle Leroy's slide shows were must see viewing event.

From a young age, Uncle Leroy was my model for what I would, as I matured, define as a "man of quality." The kind of man I hoped to marry one day. He was devoted to one woman and had a stellar work ethic. He maintained this ethic until the day he retired from all aspects of his career/work. Leroy Hampton was among the first persons of color to work at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan. He took pride in representing his company with integrity and intelligence. He also spoke on behalf of the African American community as he participated in organizations and functions in Midland. He taught me early on to PLAN for a good life: first an interesting and challenging career then a secure retirement. I thank him every day for those lessons.

I am going to miss our Sunday chats, though has he grew older, his hearing loss made our discussions challenging. We were both devotees of PBS. He had a passion for opera, which I learned to appreciate in college because of him. From time to time, I would watch a particular opera because I knew he liked it, or I knew he would be
watching it too. I hoped we would share the experience in a later discussion.
We both loved jazz and PBS Great Performances. He loved baseball and football, and was a fan of both the Detroit Tigers and the Lions. We discussed politics, world news, and some pop culture issues. We exchanged ideas, not always agreeing, but always respectful of each other´s opinions. I believe we both grew personally from the exchange of viewpoints.

I am so, so sorry he is gone. I knew that every day he was with us was a gift. He left us just as he would have desired to-quickly, no long goodbye, intellect intact, still blessed with a good degree of independence, still enjoying life after an afternoon with his best friend, doing whatever they enjoyed doing. For that, I give thanks to God, who hears our prayers and answers with his everlasting, loving-kindness and mercy. You are loved greatly, dear Uncle! You will be missed greatly as well. Take your well-deserved rest until we meet again.

Let us reflect on words from the disciples of the Messiah our Redeemer about death:

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

" Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. "

Your niece,
Lyndia

Verita & Wesley Cloyd

Planted Trees

Thomas T Chiu

December 24, 2022

Condolences to the Hamptons!
I knew Leroy at the Dow Comical Co. in Midland when Leroy was in the HR business. He was a fine gentleman of character.
Thomas T. Chiu

Lynn Gibbs

December 24, 2022

I first met Leroy when he was at the last meeting of his term on the Board of Deacons at church and I was beginning my first term in the 1980's. He was always so kind. Whenever I saw him through the years he was the same kind, thoughtful , friendly person. I will miss him as I miss Ann as well. I'll never forget when she played the voice of God in a play at church. Wonderful family. May God bless this family always.

Tiana Hardy

December 23, 2022

A great man, I would never forget! Candice and family I grant my greatest condolences. Sorry for your loss. Much love and glory.

Ric Shahin

December 23, 2022

Wise, intelligent, active, measured, a role model for all, and a phenomenal neighbor and community member. Leroy was the absolute definition of the word "gentleman." His example is his legacy.

Steve Longstreth

December 21, 2022

Candice and family, I am so sorry for your loss of your father. I pray that your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.