Larry Stephen “Steve” Hembree

Steve Hembree, 64, of O'Fallon, MO, formerly of Rock Hill, SC passed away on August 19, 2013.
 Steve was born in Rock Hill, SC and was the son of the late Guy Edward Hembree and the late Margaret Hembree Corder.  He was a graduate of Rock Hill High School.  Upon graduation, Steve served three years in the United States Army.  During this time, he fought bravely in the Vietnam War and was a Purple Heart recipient.  
 Realizing military life was not for him, the next ten years are described as a wild ride.  As his time in the military came to a close, he met the love of his life, Dale Ann.  After only six weeks, the two married.  As newlyweds, Steve and Dale Ann briefly spent time traveling around the Midwest, ultimately settling in St. Louis, MO.  Steve was a jack of all trades, working in numerous jobs including construction.  However, his calling was sales.  
 Coincidentally, Steve followed in his dad's footsteps and started door to door sales.  This led to his founding of AAA Vacuums.  A true model for customer service, Steve prided himself on being an honest, family owned and operated store focused on quality and reliability.  Both wife, Dale Ann and eldest daughter Heather worked side by side with Steve and their dedicated staff for over thirty years.  
 Throughout his entire life, Steve's heart lied with his wife, their family, and friends.  He and Dale Ann have two beautiful daughters, Heather (Doug) Frew of St. Charles, MO and Jenifer (Omar) Rivera of Lake Elsinore, CA.  Their fondest memories as a family include listening to beach music and long car rides to Myrtle Beach, SC.  He and Dale Ann enjoyed taking dance lessons, playing trivia, and enjoying their favorite movies.  Regardless of the time or place, Steve had the endless ability to light up a room with laughter, jokes, and witty one-liners.    
 A dedicated grandfather,  Steve was extremely active in all of his grandchildren's lives, constantly showing love and support.  Doting on the granddaughters, Steve loved hearing baby Ava learn to talk on the phone, beamed with pride over Lauren's artistic abilities, never missed an opportunity to share his love of golf with Evan, was the loudest fan at Jake's hockey games, and always made sure to spend quality time with eldest grandson, Dominic.  One of Steve's favorite places to be was "the coffee shop."  Every morning Steve enjoyed the company of his friends at The Bread Company in O'Fallon.  A home away from home, Dominic and Jake always enjoyed tagging along to have coffee with the boys.  
 Loving husband of Dale Ann Hembree; beloved son of the late Guy and Margaret Hembree; devoted father of Heather (Doug) Frew and Jenifer (Omar) Rivera; cherished grandfather of Dominic Frew, Jake Frew, Evan Rivera, Lauren Rivera, and Ava Rivera;  older brother of Carolyn (Max) Henderson; Steve was also a loving uncle, cousin, and friend to many.  He is preceded in death by his brothers Gary Hembree and Fred Hembree.
  Memorials may be made to the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.