Gerald 'John' Lee Hammer

Gerald 'John' Lee Hammer, 86, of Crooksville rejoined his beloved and recently departed wife, Sally, in the Kingdom of Heaven at 3:45 AM, Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at his home on Heskett Hill.

He was born on November 18, 1931 in Zanesville, the son of the late, Ivan and Ruth (Boring) Hammer.

Gerald honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, Gerald along with his wife, raised their family in Crooksville. He was a passionate fan of Crooksville football, he and his children would frequently look at the computer scores to figure out which MVL teams would make it to the playoffs, always rooting for his Ceramics. Gerald retired from the Cesco Plant, formerly the Ferro Corp as a caster and kiln fireman. During his retirement, Gerald worked for the Community Bank as a courier between the bank's branches.  He along with his wife were devoted, steadfast and highly active members of the now First Hope United Methodist Church in Crooksville. In addition to his membership in the church, Gerald was a member of the Peerless Lodge #591 F.& A.M. and the VFW Post 9090, both in Crooksville. Following an eleven yearlong battle with Alzheimer's dementia, Gerald passed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, just merely twenty-six days after his beloved wife of 66 years, Sally.

Gerald leaves behind his daughter, Kelly Ann (Tristen Corbett) Hammer of the home; his son, David (Beth) Hammer of Savannah, GA; his grandchildren, Robert Hammer, Gregg Hammer, Dana (Zack) Wagner, Ryan (Katelyn) Hammer, Nick (Erin) Hammer, Adam (Ashley) Hammer, Jennifer Compston, Sara Corbett, Joshua Hammer and Mary Levusque; his ten great-grandchildren and his great-great-grandson.

Preceding Gerald in death are his wife, Sara 'Sally' Ann (Heskett) Hammer who died May 31, 2018; his sons, Doug Hammer and Steven Hammer; his granddaughters, Melissa Lynn Hammer and Stephanee Hammer; his sisters, Wanda Russell, Nevalyne Kimble and Eva Clawson and his brothers, Lloyd Hammer and Robert Hammer.

The Hammer family will be receiving friends, 12:00 AM-1:00 PM, Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Goebel Funeral Home, 36 N. Buckeye St., Crooksville. Funeral services and a celebration of Gerald's life will follow at 1:00 PM, at the funeral home with Pastor John Sowers officiating. Gerald will be laid to rest in Crooksville Cemetery next to his wife where full military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard with the assistance of VFW Post 9090 and American Legion Post 222.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gerald's name to Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home.

You may read the obituary, sign the Online Register Book, share a special memory or upload pictures at www.goebelfuneralhome.com