Obituary of Charles Hammer

Charles H. Hammer age 89 of Newport, Michigan passed away at his home on Friday, December 4, 2009. The family had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice for the past three weeks. Charles Herbert Hammer was born on November 6, 1920 in Monroe, Michigan. He was the son of the late Charles H. and Lillian (Crossman) Hammer. Charles married the former Madge Kilpatrick on November 20, 1942 in Rantoul, Illinois after a two year courtship. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage together. Charles served two tours honorably with the 337th Air Service Group, U.S. Air Force from 1942-1946 in the South Pacific during World War II. He received the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater, and three Bronze Battle Stars. Following the war, Charles worked for the Union Camp Paper Company for more than thirty-seven years. He retired in 1983. Charles attended the Bethany Baptist Church in Monroe. He was an avid fisherman, golfer, and bowler. He enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, Florida with his bride for several years. While in Florida, he enjoyed shuffleboard and pitching horse shoes. Charles especially enjoyed the time he spent playing cards with family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory a beloved wife: Madge of Newport; two children, a son: Charles (Janice) Hammer and a daughter: Pamela (Dale) Nadeau both of Newport; three grandsons: Charles Hammer, Matthew Hammer, and Ryan Nadeau; two great-granddaughters; four great grandsons; and recently he was blessed with the birth of a great-great grandson. His passing was preceded by his parents, and three sisters: Elizabeth LaPrad, LaVera Ladzick, and Marcella Sutton. Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 6:30pm, Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 6:30pm with the Rev. Rex Jones pastor of Bethany Baptist Church officiating. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the wishes of the Hammer Family. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.