Joseph Hemba Jr., age 7, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 alongside his mother, Madeline Pendergist Hemba and uncle Darrin Vince. He is survived by his father Joseph and sister Rebecca; grandparents James Hemba Sr. and wife Joyce; grandfather Richard (Dickey) and Darlene Pendergist; Granny Ne' (Renee Tatum); grandmother Becky Tatum; godfather and uncle Jimmy Hemba Jr. and wife Robin; godmother and aunt Tatum Vince; cousins Abby and Emily Hemba, Riley, Mallory and Emily Vince, and Patrick Vince, his wife Rachel and their daughter Audrey. He was preceded in death by great grandmother Voncile Hemba; great grandfather Harvey Hemba; great grandparents Addie G Jacob Young; and Earl B Jacob Sr.

Joseph was born June 7, 2010 in Baton Rouge, LA to parents Madeline and Joe. He attended elementary school at Silliman Institute in Clinton, Louisiana, where he was a friend to many.  An adventurous joy to be around, Joseph was known by his family and friends as a smart and loving boy who loved being outside. He was often found playing with nerf guns, riding four wheelers, or lifting weights with his Uncle Darrin. But most of all he loved hunting and being in the woods with his Daddy, Paw Paw Jimmy, Paw Paw Dickey, and Uncle Jimmy. He was his Momma's baby and adored his big sister Becca. Though his time with us was short, he left a lasting impression on all which will never be forgotten.

Pallbearers are Dickey, Ronnie, Jacob, Daniel, Tommy, and Mason Pendergist, Brad Hughes, Jimmy Hemba, Honorary Pallbearers are Jimbo Cobb, Clint Gray, Ben Morris, Shawn Pratt, Ryan Varnado, Joe Amorello, Josh O'Neal, and Jason Jackson.

The visitation will be held from 10am-2pm on Friday, February 2 at First Baptist Church of Zachary followed by a funeral service starting at 2pm. His burial will take place at Star Hill Cemetery in St. Francisville.

Joseph's family would like extend their gratitude to the Zachary Fire Department, Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries, Eastside Fire Department Dive Team, and West Feliciana Sheriff's Department.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joseph's honor to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to a bank account that has been set up at Bank of Zachary in the name Eastside Fire Department Dive Team towards dive equipment: Bank of Zachary, PO Box 497, Zachary, LA 70791. Make checks to “Eastside Fire Dept. Dive Team”, in memo write “Benefit Fund.”