Frederick Hemm, flew Air Force One

Frederick X. Hemm of 47 Poplar Road, a pilot who flew Air Force One during the Johnson administration, died on Saturday, July 6, at Danbury Hospital. He was 74 years old and husband of the late Mary Ann Goens Hemm.
Mr. Hemm was born in Piqua, Ohio, on Nov. 29, 1927, a son of the late John A. and Ida Friggee Hemm. He attended Ohio schools and went Ohio State University before quitting after freshman year to join the U.S. Air Force.
Inspired by his brother Joe, a World War II pilot who was shot down and imprisoned by the Germans, Mr. Hemm became an Air Force pilot. He served in the Korean War and in the 1960s was assigned to the VIP service. Among his duties was flying Air Force One, ferrying President Lyndon B. Johnson and Vice President Hubert F. Humphrey.
During his 21-year career in the Air Force, Mr. Hemm continued his college studies in such far-flung places as California, Japan, Texas and Maryland. He finally earned his bachelor of science degree in political science from the University of Maryland in 1967.
Mr. Hemm retired in 1968 as a lieutenant colonel. He then joined the Ogden Corporation of New York City as a corporate pilot and moved to Ridgefield in 1969. He retired from Ogden about 10 years ago, but continued to fly his own private plane, based at Danbury Airport.
“He loved flying,” said his daughter, Teresa Ann Conroy of Weston. “He liked adventure. Any place he hadn’t been he wanted to go.”
He would fly his own plane all over the country, often deciding on a destination at the spur of the moment.
“He enjoyed life,” Ms. Conroy said. “He really lived it to the fullest.”
An avid golfer, Mr. Hemm was a member of the Dhly Ridge Men's Golf Association. He was also a member of a retired Air Force officers association of St. Mary's Church. He was gardener and also enjoyed clock collecting.
Mr. Hemm is survived by a son: Fred X. Hemm Jr., of Danbury; four daughters: Patricia Ann Lombard of Naperville, Ill., Theresa Ann Conroy of Weston, Marcella Maria Seaman of New Fairfield, and Nancy Ann Galligan of Wylie, Texas; four brothers: Joe Hemm, Chuck Hemm, Kenny Hemm and Dick Hemm: a sister: Ann Lewis: eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
His wife Mary Ann died in 1998.
A Mass of Christian Burial and burial services will take place in Piqua, Ohio.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Assocation, 90 East Ridge, Ridgefield 06877.
The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.