Donald Eugene Hammond

CW3 Donald Eugene Hammond (Retired), affectionately known as Don, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 29, 2023. Born on July 24, 1932, to the late Byron Eugen Hammond and Miriam Lucille Lake Hammond in San Diego, California, Don was a true Southern gentleman who spread love, joy, and laughter to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Helen (Virginia Lewis) Hammond, and leaves behind a legacy of family members, including his children, Wayne (Cathy) Rase, Kenneth (Phyllis) Rase, and Karla (Steve) Smiley; his grandchildren, Timothy (Shannon) Rase, Anthony Rase, Misty (Michelle) Scott, Brandon Ham, and Jerrod (Ashley) Ham; his great-grandchildren, Corrie (Josh) Wright, Lauren (Avery) Rase, Cooper Rase, and Zane Ham; and his great-great-granddaughter, Alleigh Wright. Don also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, Joseph (Dee) Lewis and Harrell (Pat) Lewis; his sisters-in-law, Dawn Ringer and Diane (Ron) Joyner; his nephews, Jimmy Rondoni and Robbie Rondoni; and his special friends, Kim Bowen and Christine McWilliams, as well as a host of other extended friends and family.

A 1950 graduate of North Hollywood High School in California, Don continued his education by earning a general 4-year college equivalency via testing with the United States Marine Corps. He later attended Counter Intelligence Investigators School with the US Army, Fixed Wing Aviator School with the US Army, Southeast Alabama State Police Academy, and American Real Estate Institute. These educational experiences laid the foundation for a diverse and successful career.

Throughout his life, Don held many titles and was involved in various associations. He was a flight instructor, a night air mail pilot, a police officer, a restaurant owner and operator, an insurance salesman, and a rangemaster. In each of these roles, Don demonstrated his unwavering commitment to excellence and service.

Don's interests were as varied as his career. He loved saltwater fishing and cherished the moments spent with family and friends out on the water. A skilled aviator, Don's passion for flying was evident to all who knew him. He also enjoyed playing solitaire in his RV while traveling, creating lasting memories with his loved ones.

Don will be remembered as a courageous, faith-filled, and spirited man. His unwavering faith in God and his love for his family were the cornerstones of his life and the reason he became an ordained minister. He was a true example of what it means to live a life of service and love.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Darrell Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Big Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.

Rest in peace, our dear Don. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day.
 

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