Everett Lawrence (Larry) Hammen Everett Lawrence Hammen, 98, of Puyallup, Washington, passed away of natural causes on October 17, 2018. “Larry” was born to Katie and Peter Hammen in Keota, Iowa. He enlisted in the Marines after high school, and during WWII, served as a Technical Sergeant aboard the USS Franklin. Larry was on the flight deck of the Franklin when it was bombed and heavily damaged by a Japanese aircraft on March 19, 1945. He was subsequently knocked off the flight deck into the water and later rescued. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. Larry met the love of his life, Kathryn (Kay) Humphries, a Registered Nurse, and they married in 1946. They spent most of their lives in Iowa, including 25 years in Urbandale, where he was a carpenter by profession and a proud member of the local carpenters’ union. The highlight of their life was raising their son, Michael. They moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1985, where they enjoyed many years of active retirement, and finally moved to Puyallup in 1999 to be closer to their son and his family. Kay preceded Larry in death in 2001 after over 50 years of a loving marriage. Larry and his dog Molly spent many enjoyable years in Puyallup being able to watch his grandchildren Carolynn and Stephen grow up. He was a WONDERFUL grandfather, and never missed a school event, sports event, or long musical recital where the kids performed. We will miss him dearly and our Sundays watching sports and enjoying family dinners. He will be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his son Dr. Michael Hammen and his wife Catherine, of Gig Harbor (formerly of Puyallup), and grandchildren Carolynn Hammen of Tacoma and Stephen Hammen of Boston, Massachusetts. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 23, 2018, 10:30 am, at All Saints Catholic Church in Puyallup, followed by interment at Woodlawn Abbey Mausoleum in Puyallup. Arrangements are by Powers Funeral Home, Puyallup, Washington, 253-845-0536. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western & Central Washington Chapter, 12721 30th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125.
Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on Oct. 26, 2018