David Hammond

David L. Hammond, 85, passed peacefully at his home in Thermopolis on Friday, April 15, 2016.  

He was born September 14, 1930, to George R. and Lucy (Dunsworth) Hammond in Mancos, Colo., and was the first of three children born to the couple.

Attending school in Montezuma and La Plata counties, he graduated from Durango High School in 1948. On February 4, 1951, he married Eileen Richards of Bayfield, Colo. They had three children, David, Georgeanne and John. In 1953, the family moved to Farmington, N.M. Dave worked a variety of jobs centered around the oilfields in the Four Corners with Allen Construction, then worked for Atlantic Richfield in the Horseshoe Gallup Field. In 1970 he was transferred to Hamilton Dome, Wyo. After 20 years with Atlantic Richfield, he retired and moved to Thermopolis. Later, he worked at the local IGA Store.

During the time that the family lived in Farmington, Dave was a Little League coach for over 20 years. While living in Hamilton Dome and later, Thermopolis, he was the Chamber president and a member of the Hot Springs County School Board. He was an avid golfer, bowler (WY State Secretary and member of the local Bowling Hall of Fame), and hunter, but his first love was fly-fishing. He taught his kids and grandson how to fly fish, and according to several fly fishermen, he schooled them well.

He is survived by his brother, Derwin (Ann) Hammond of Rochester, Minn .; children, David (Kathy), Georgeanne and John, all of Thermopolis; grandson, Rob (Kylee) Hammond of Buffalo, Wyo .; great-grandkids, Will and Reeves, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; sister, Joann Wallace; parents; and his daughter-in-law, Debbie Hammond.  

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the VFW. On Memorial Day weekend, inurnment will be held in Bayfield, Colo. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Hot Springs County Library, Senior Center or a hospice of your choice. Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online remembrances/condolences may be expressed at http://www.mortfh.com.