Robert Hamm Sr.

URBANA – Robert Lee Hamm Sr., 89, of Urbana, formerly of Oakland, Ill., passed away at 7:56 p.m. Friday (Dec. 14, 2012) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign. Rev. Kenneth Young will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by VFW Post 5520.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Bob was born on July 17, 1923, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Albert and Clema Rae (Utterback) Hamm. He married Lois Benson on June 15, 1946, in Chicago. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Don (Donna) Hamm of Mahomet and Larry Hamm of Oakland; two grandsons, Darren Hamm of Kohlsville, Wis., and Neal Hamm of Busan, South Korea; three granddaughters, Tiffany Hamm of Mahomet, Sarah Hamm of Bloomington and Mandy Hamm of Evansville, Ind.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Bernice Hunter, and a son, Robert Lee Hamm Jr.

Bob was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As one of 700 sailors left aboard the USS Franklin after it was bombed and badly damaged off the coast of Japan, he aided in bringing the ailing ship back to port in New York City. He attended many years of USS Franklin reunions, keeping in close contact with many of his shipmates.

He had a long and prominent career with the Carpenters’ Local 44 Union in the Champaign-Urbana area, helping to build many local structures. He served eight years as a maintenance custodian in the Oakland schools.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fountain of Life Family Fellowship, 102 E. Main St., Tolono, IL 61880.

Condolences may be offered at http://www.owensfuneralhomes.com.

http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2012-12-18/robert-hamm-sr.html