Daniel "Dan" Sequoyah Hembree

Daniel “Dan” Sequoyah Hembree, lovingly known as "Boomus," 89, of Westville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on January 21, 2025. He was born on March 15, 1935, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, to Ray and Carlotta (Adair) Hembree. Dan graduated high school in 1953 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan and took great pride in his service. Following his military discharge, Dan worked unloading ships in Alaska before returning to college. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from attending NSU, U of A, and OSU. On May 10, 1958, Dan married the love of his life, Audrey Welch. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their daughter, Pam. Dan dedicated over 30 years to teaching carpentry at Westville High School, where he inspired countless students with his skills and passion for craftsmanship. During his career, he guided his vocational carpentry classes in building over 20 houses around Westville, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, skill, and community impact. Dan had a love for life and treasured spending time outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners and Kansas City Chiefs, and building anything with his hands. Dan was also known for his quick wit, love of telling jokes, and ability to make everyone around him laugh. His joy in making others smile was one of his many gifts, and his humor will be dearly missed. Above all, he adored his family and would do anything for them. His kind heart and generous spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew him. Dan is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Al, Monroe, Watie, Vernon, and Sam; and two sisters, Alyene and Marie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Audrey Hembree, of the home; his daughter, Pam Swank and husband Jerry, of Watts, Oklahoma; his granddaughter, Brittany Swank, of Westville, Oklahoma; his grandson, Jarrod Swank and wife Casey, of Watts, Oklahoma; and three great-granddaughters, Asher, Spencer, and Chandler. Dan is also survived by his brother, Ivan Hembree, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., also at Wasson Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Westville Cemetery in Westville, Oklahoma. Dan’s legacy of love, family, craftsmanship, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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Daniel "Dan" Sequoyah Hembree

March 15, 1935 - January 21, 2025