Donald H. Hammer, Sr., age 83, of West Toledo, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2007 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo. He was born on July 14, 1924 to Robert and Ruth (Daske) Hammer in Toledo. Donald attended Whittier Grade School, Devilbiss High School, class of "42" and the University of Toledo, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1943. While in the Navy, during WWII, he served on the USS Wisconsin and the USS President Jackson in the Pacific from 1943 to 1946. Don worked as an electrician for the Local 8 IBEW retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Boaz Lodge, now Robinson Locke, for 50 years, Scottish Rite 33 degree for 35 years, Local 8 IBEW for 60 years, Local 8 Retiree's Past President, Grace Lutheran Church, USS Wisconsin Association and Conn Weissenberger American Legion Post 587. Don enjoyed life to its fullest, especially being with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. In his early days he enjoyed playing cards, golf, fishing and football, playing, watching and refereeing high school football. The last few years he has enjoyed going out to eat and watching game shows on T.V.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Donald H. Hammer, Jr., siblings, Vanetta Trago, Dorothy Grob, Robert Hammer and June Straka. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Gail F (Dreier) Hammer; daughter: Geralyn (Dr. Walter) Stoll and their children, David (Holley Boren) and Michael Stoll and great-granddaughter: Brynlee Stoll; son: Gregory D. (Stacy) Hammer and their children, Cameron and Brendan Hammer; in-laws: Lucille Dreier, Susanne (Larry) Allen, Wayne (Darla) Dreier, Lawrence (Hollie) Dreier and Marilyn (Danny) Adkins; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests on Sunday, December 2, 2007 in the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) from 2 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will begin Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Grace Lutheran Church.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Alan Sundheimer and staff, St. Anne's Hospital staff, Grace Lutheran Church for their pastoral visits, congregations and prayers, Vicki for visiting and bringing communion, Kingston Rehabilitation Center staff, Hospice of Northwest Ohio staff and all of the extended family and friends who have been their over the years.