Archived Obituaries

Battle Creek Augustus L. Hammer Jr., age 76 of Emmett Township, passed away Friday, September 12, 2008 at Battle Creek Health System. He was born in Ceresco on October 2, 1931 to Augustus and Edith (Preston) Hammer. He was employed at Grand Trunk and Oliver Tractor Company before serving in the Korean War. He served in the Third Division fighting at Manchuria and Pusan and was awarded 8 medals. Returning from Korea he was a service manager at Stan Lassen before owning and operating two Standard Oil Stations in the 1960’s and 1970’s with his last venture owning Golden Avenue Auto. He had two daughters with his first wife Laura Blanck. He resided in Emmett Township with his wife and companion of 21 years Joy (Jacox) Hammer and his special buddy John Hammer. He enjoyed auctions, tinkering in his yard, mentoring many youth and spending time with his dogs. He is survived by his sisters Martha Rocco, Dorothy (Les) Senker and Hazel Worden and his brother Ron (Phyllis) Hammer. Also surviving are his wife Joy Hammer; daughters Rhonda Hammer and LaCinda (Bruce) Ellsworth; one stepson Bob Shirley; 6 grandsons; 1 granddaughter; and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Maynard Hammer; and a granddaughter Misty Marie Ellsworth. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Funeral Home in Battle Creek. Military Honors with Graveside Services 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Pastor Jim Roberts officiating. Memorials may be directed to the family at Farley’s. .