Clifford (Sony) Harold Hemsher, 77, of Piedmont, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Fort Meade VA Hospice. Sony was born on July 15, 1945, to Clifford Howard Hemsher and Marie Agnes (Jazek) Hemsher in Rapid City, SD.  He was the first of 12 children.

Sony served in the Navy from 1965 to 1971, spending three tours in Vietnam.  Upon returning to the United States, he briefly settled in California, then he moved to Piedmont, SD, which became his favorite place in the country.

Sony was best known as former Fire Chief of the Piedmont Fire Department.  He had a passion for working in emergency services: volunteer fire fighter, Fire Chief, fought wildfires all over the country, and was operations officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Sony was very active in his community.  He was the past Commander of Piedmont Valley American Legion Post #311 and a founding Trustee for the town of Piedmont.  He founded two businesses in Piedmont. One of Sony's greatest passions was collecting rocks.  He was a member and past president of the Western Dakota Gem and Mineral Society.

Sony is survived by children Sheena (Bruce) Vieth and son Norris Hemsher; grandchildren Joseph, Porsche and Jonny; former wife Vicky Hemsher; sisters Judy Root and Suzi Bauer, of Kennewick, WA; Carol Kraemer of Rapid City, SD; Peggy Taylor of Piedmont, SD; Alice Geyer of Rapid City, SD; and multiple nieces, nephews, an uncle and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved son Joseph Hemsher; brothers Frank, Thomas (TJ), Bob and Bill; sisters Marianne Pederson-Norby and Joanne Black-Kalie; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sony's memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 9:30 AM at the American Legion Post #311.  At 9:30 attendees may line up behind the fire truck carrying Sony's urn to the Piedmont Cemetery or meet it there.  He will receive Full Military Honors at 10 AM.  A celebration of his life and sharing memories with family and friends will follow at the Piedmont Legion.  The family would like you to join them for lunch.

Donations may be made to the Piedmont Fire Department.