Boyd Henry Hempen

Oct. 18, 1920 – June 29, 2017

Commander Boyd Henry Hempen, USNR, 96 years forever young, of Conroe, Texas went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2017. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara G. Hempen (nee Greenwood); his parents Fred J. and Monica (nee Hustedde) Hempen; and his brothers Cletus (Mary Ann) Hempen and Joseph (Betsy) Hempen. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Pamela (Wayne) St. Claire of The Woodlands, Texas; his son Gregory (Gretchen) Hempen of Fulshear, Texas; his brother Paul (the late Lorraine) and sister Dorothy (the late Jetty) Vandeloo; his granddaughters Laura Spenke, Lisa Spenke and Allyson (Robert) Blake, and a large extended family.

Boyd was born Oct. 18, 1920 in Aviston, Illinois and grew up in Aviston and Carlyle. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1942 and joined the Navy in December of that year. After completing Officer Candidate School at Columbia University in New York, he was commissioned an Ensign in March 1943. He attended Sonar School in San Diego and in May 1943 was assigned to Operations under Lt. j.g. Zumwalt on the USS PHELPS (DD 360). After numerous decorations for its many battles in the Pacific during WWII, the PHELPS was decommissioned in 1945, and Boyd took a job as County Agent in Kennebec County, Maine. Following a meeting at the University of Maine, he was talking with several of the attendees at a local pub and the conversation turned to the Navy. With considerable time and effort, this chance meeting of four men started a volunteer Naval Reserve unit. This initial Electronic Warfare unit grew from the original four in 1947 to over 1,200 with two Surface units, a Seabee unit, and two Marine units. During this time he was promoted to Lieutenant, USNR.

While in Maine he met Barbara Virginia Greenwood, granddaughter of the late Chester Greenwood, prolific businessman and creator of such inventions as airplane shock absorbers and ear protectors (earmuffs) that he supplied to the military in WWI. They married on June 19, 1945 in Manhattan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral followed by a reception at Tavern on the Green, and enjoyed family, friends and a wonderful life together for 53 years.

He was recalled to service in 1950 during the Korean War reporting to the USS BROWNSON (DD 868) serving under Cmdr. Martineau USN. He was named Executive Officer (XO) shortly after arriving. As XO, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. In 1953 he was ordered to the Naval Ordnance Test Station at China Lake, California (the size of Rhode Island) as War Plans and Security Officer. While there, he was called to Washington, D.C. where he presented a revised war plan strategy that was accepted and approved by the Navy and became the standard for naval war plans.

In 1955 he was ordered to the USS EDWARD H. ALLEN (DE 531) as Commanding Officer (CO). With multiple ships in the Third Naval District, he was assigned Task Force Commander. On the night of July 25, 1956 while on a training cruise, he received an SOS from the Italian ocean liner, ANDRIA DORIA. When it became evident that the ANDRIA DORIA could not be saved, only then did the ship’s Master, Pietro Calamai, agree to come aboard. His ship rescued 77 crewmembers, including Capt. Calamai. He became the spokesperson representing the Navy for all TV appearances regarding the rescue. On Jan. 18, 1957 he was awarded the order of knighthood at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., receiving the commendation of CAVALIERE for recognition of his service to the Italian Republic. The EDWARD H. ALLEN was decommissioned in 1958 and Boyd retired as Commander USNR in 1958.

He began a second career at McDonnell Aircraft Company in 1958 serving as head of safety and security. In 1979 while working as Manager, Environmental Control and Compliance for McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company, he oversaw the building of the first Hazardous Material Incinerator to be fully licensed by the EPA and Department of Natural Resources in the state of Missouri. Upon completion of that project he retired after 26 years.

In retirement, he enjoyed golfing, playing bridge with good friends and tinkering around the house. For many years, he and mom spent several months each winter in Naples, FL and loved hosting company while there. Everyone loved his delicious Fettuccini Alfredo and Bookbinders cheesecake that he made from scratch, in addition to his special Margaritas that he served poolside.

He was loved by family and a dear friend to many throughout the country and will be remembered for a life well lived. His sweet and easygoing manner, fun disposition, and spontaneous, witty humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The service of remembrance will be held on Friday, August 25th at 10:00 at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - Houston, Houston, TX.