Hugh Aynesworth, dead at 92

 

BY DALE K. MYERS

Respected Texas journalist Hugh G. Aynesworth, who covered the events surrounding the JFK assassination for six decades died at his home last night. He was 92.

 

Dallas Morning News journalist Michael Granberry offered a beautiful, in-depth obituary available here.

 

Hugh Aynesworth never wavered in his belief that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin and never turned down an opportunity to help others in their search for the truth.

 

In May 1997, I interviewed Mr. Aynesworth regarding his activities at the J.D. Tippit murder scene on November 22, 1963. He told me about his mad dash to Oak Cliff, how WFAA-TV/Radio reporter Vic Robertson used a soothing voice to help calm a distraught Helen Markham, how he thought he might be accidently shot by nervous cops clearing an old furniture store on Jefferson Boulevard, how Earlene Roberts tried to give him the rental slip Oswald had signed ‘O.H. Lee’, and how he was sent out to interview Marie Tippit the night of her husband’s murder.

 

“That was tough,” he said.

 

Later that November, I telephoned Mr. Aynesworth, told him of the forthcoming publication of my book With Malice: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Murder of Officer J.D. Tippit, and asked if he would be willing to look over some photos and video footage taken at the Tippit shooting scene and see if he could identify himself or other individuals depicted. He agreed and was most helpful.

 

In early June, 1998, I sent Mr. Aynesworth an advanced copy of With Malice. He endorsed my book, writing:

“Dale Myers’ book is the absolute best ever written concerning the murder of Dallas cop J.D. Tippit. It contains new information, is written superbly and should be read by anybody interested in the complex JFK tragedy. Most importantly of all, it is truth, something often missing from JFK assassination exploitation.”

In October, 1998, I invited Mr. Aynesworth to attend a book-signing event at the new Barnes & Noble bookstore in North Dallas to be held on the night of November 20, 1998. He heartily agreed and took time out of his busy schedule to come out and help launch my book along with other invitees – retired DPD Homicide Detective James R. Leavelle, DPD Detective Paul L. Bentley, DPD Officer Walter R. Bardin, and retired FBI SA Robert P. Gemberling – all now deceased.

 

By the end of the presentation, being piped over the store’s public address system, about 60 bookstore patrons had gathered around the table at center court listening to the first-hand accounts of the JFK assassination from the men who were there. It was very surreal.

 

Across town, that same night, a group of conspiracy devotees had paid to listen to two speakers talk about new “proof” of the big plot. I’m sure Mr. Aynesworth would have enjoyed the irony.

 

I was reminded of these events this morning when I learned that Mr. Aynesworth had passed away. He lived a long and fruitful life.

 

One thing I learned from him was passion – passion for the truth no matter the personal consequences. Rest in peace, Hugh.