Obituary of Donavan Ray Hammer
Donavan Ray Hammer, born on September 2, 1993 in Monroe, Michigan, was one of five children born from the union of Charles Hammer and Kelly (Ross) Hammer. Donavan attended Jefferson High School and graduated with the class of 2011.
Donavan was a dedicated supervising security guard at the Detroit Edison Company in Trenton for six years.
With a sweet spirit and infectious smile, Donavan was never afraid to show emotion and always put others first. Those around him were drawn to his charisma and unique sense of humor, and he earned the respect of others with his honesty and patience.
Donavan was an avid paintballer and won several awards in multiple tournaments. He enjoyed playing soccer since childhood, skateboarding, and golfing. Donavan loved the outdoors, especially camping in Pennsylvania, swimming in the pool, lounging in the sauna, and shooting off low-budget fireworks.
Family and friends were most important to Donavan, especially spending time with his nephews. He had immeasurable compassion for all animals, notably his dog, Pudge, and his turtle, Stewart.
Donavan will truly be missed by all and forever remembered as a wonderful, loving son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and boyfriend.
Donavan Ray Hammer, age 23 of Newport, passed away from serious injuries sustained in an auto accident on Thursday, June 29, 2017. His passing was preceded by his great grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and a cousin.
To cherish his memory, Donavan leaves his parents: Charles and Kelly Hammer of Newport; his girlfriend of five years: Joelle Dillon; his sister: Desiree (Stewart McDonald) Hammer of Edinburgh, Scotland; his brothers: Daniel (Melanie) Hammer of Rockwood, Dillion (Kelsey Yarger) Hammer of Newport, and Dustin Hammer of Newport; his paternal grandparents: Charles and Janice Hammer of Newport; his maternal grandparents: Robert and Mary Jo Ross of Newport; two nephews: Kaiden and Karson of Rockwood; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family and friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe (734) 384-5185. He will lie-in-state at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Newport on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 10:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am. Father Anthony Camilleri will officiate and a procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.