BREEDEN PIERCE HAMMER, JR. Final Flight on February 17, 2016
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Breeden Pierce Hamer, Jr., Lt. Colonel USAF (Retired) January 03, 1932 - February 17, 2016
Breeden Pierce Hamer, Jr., retired Lt. Col. USAF, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016. Born January 3, 1932 in Bennettsville, SC, to Breeden Pierce and Louise (Hart) Hamer.
He grew up in Bennettsville and Clio, SC. Breeden graduated from Presbyterian College. In the USAF he had 15 stations in 20 years of service including reconnaissance over Korea, tours in Guam and Vietnam. Throughout his career he served as an engineer, navigator, pilot (primarily Huey helicopters), service in SAC missile units, and as squadron commander. Breeden received numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service as a Rescue Commander and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in aerial flight.
In 1955, he married MarGene Bair. They were married for 29 years and had two children, Jeff and Mary.
After his retirement from the USAF, he attended WSU and received a second Bachelor’s Degree, an MBA, and was a computer consultant and volunteer. Breeden enjoyed fishing, woodworking, photography, and felt there was no greater luxury in life than to be surrounded by books. He had an insatiable quest for knowledge and immersed himself at different times in his life trying to master computer programming, AI, studying the history of religion, economics, climate change, and nutrition.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Winfred Groves. He is survived by his children, Jeff (Terry) Hamer, Mary (Larry) Moyer; grandchildren, Kurtis and Evie Marcotte, Erin and Brian Depperschmidt, Keith Moyer, Alan Hamer, Joseph Hamer; great-grandchildren Madison, Laken, Mason, Allie and Calvin; sisters, Agnes (Fred) Kolb and Martha Groves.
Many kind and special people made his life easier in his last few years. His family will be forever grateful for their help and kindness.
A private family memorial will be held. Memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing and Lahey Mortuary West. | |||
GUEST BOOK Tuesday, February 23, 2016 I flew with then Major Hamer at Grand Forks AFB, ND a few times. He was a good pilot and an enjoyable fellow to be around. In fact, he was the flight examiner on my first check ride as a new arrival to that assignment in 1970. I'm sorry to learn of his family's loss. ~ Waldo Libby, Vassalboro, Maine Tuesday, February 23, 2016 Sad to hear of Lt Col Hamer passing. He was my Rescue Crew Commander my entire tour at Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam, 1967. He was a pleasure to work for. I still have a picture he took of me and colorized by hand. May he RIP. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. ~ Gary Prutt, Littlefield, Arizona Monday, February 22, 2016 Mary I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and your family. What a great man and what a wonderful legacy. ~ Nancy Bacon Sunday, February 21, 2016 Rest Breeden, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. ~ Harry Simpson, Buckeye, Arizona Sunday, February 21, 2016 Thinking of you during this time of sadness and loss with heartfelt sympathy. ~ Susan & Gary Saturday, February 20, 2016 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With love and deepest sympathy. ~ John & Juli McGoldrick, Las Vegas, Nevada Friday, February 19, 2016 May the Light of His Life Always Shine Bright in Your Hearts, All Our Love, Respect & Heartfelt Sympathy, Mike & Sharon ~ Mike & Sharon Hamilton, Wichita, Kansas
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"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE" ~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~ "HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY ~NEVER FORGOTTEN~ |
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