Submitted by: Dan Rich

Lester W. Hammons

Oct. 16, 1918 - Sept. 24, 1999

South Bend Tribune 9/25/1999

Lester W. ''Ike'' Hammons, 80 years old, residing on Olive Street, Osceola, IN, passed away at 7:55 A.M. on Friday, September 24, 1999, in the St. Joseph Community Hospital in Mishawaka, IN. Mr. Hammons was a former truck driver for Osceola Lumber Company for 40 years and retired in 1976 from Princess Homes in Mishawaka. Mr. Hammons was born on October 16, 1918, in Osceola, IN to the late William and Belva (Minegar) Hammons. He has lived his entire life in Osceola.

On June 29, 1951, in Mishawaka, he married Maxine Huff, who preceded him in death on July 5, 1995. Two brothers, Gaylord Coil and Wendell Coil, also preceded him in death. Survivors include two sons, Kim (Susan) Hammons of South Bend and James Hammons of Osceola; a stepdaughter, Connie (Donald) Mapes of Elkhart; and four grandchildren.

Mr. Hammons was honorably discharged in 1946 after serving his country in World War II. He was a medic with the Army/Air Force and spent the majority of time with the military in Italy. He was also a former member of the American Legion Post 308 in Osceola and a retired member of the Teamsters Union Local 360 in South Bend.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 27, 1999, in the Palmer Funeral Home, 1109 Lincoln Way West, Osceola, IN. Rev. Don Francis will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow in Osceola Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 26, in the Palmer Funeral Home in Osceola. Contributions in memory of Lester W. Hammons may be donated to the Osceola Cemetery Association.