WASHINGTON…Kenneth C. Hammer, 78, of Mt. Morris, Michigan, formerly of Washington, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.
He was born on November 7, 1932 in Pekin to Orville and Evelyn Jolly Hammer. He married Lillian Lush in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 20, 1996. Lillian survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Kenneth P. (Denise) Hammer of Germantown Hills and Michael (Bev) Hammer of Fostoria, Ohio; three daughters, Mary K. Giersch-Stambaugh of Marietta, Oklahoma and Deanna L. (Rick) Diaz and Theresa (Mickey) Hunt both of Fostoria, Ohio; four step-children, Linda (Mickey) Davis of Perrysburg, Ohio, Lisa (Bill) McCormick and Todd (Ann) Cavanaugh, both of Davison, Michigan and Lila (Scott) Yenglin, of Phoenix, Arizona; one brother, Richard (Sandy) Hammer of Washington; 24 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Ken was preceded in death by one daughter, Stacey Hammer; one brother, Edgar Hammer and his parents.
Ken was retired from Caterpillar where he had worked for more than 30 years in the East Peoria facilities as an electrician. Prior to working for Caterpillar he had worked for Western Electric.
He was a member of Illinois Masonic Lodge #263 AF&AM in Peoria as well as Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite and the Mohammed Shrine.
Ken had been a member of Roland Manor Baptist Church and had played on the church’s softball league for many years.
He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the American Legion Post based in East Peoria.
Ken was a member of UAW Local 974 and had held many offices with the local including Chief Union Steward. He was a graduate of Woodruff High School in the Class of 1951. Ken also had been very active in fast pitch softball, playing on teams in the Peoria area for many years and also coaching the WRA girls softball team, as well. He also was an avid bowler and coached the Youth Bowling Teams in Washington.
A memorial service for Ken will be held on Friday, February 11 at 1 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor John Hauck officiating. Burial of ashes will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the WRA (Washington Recreation Assn.) Girls Softball Program.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com