Donald "Don" Lee Hammel

Donald “Don” Lee Hammel, 84, of Boonville, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was born October 8, 1931, in Elberfeld, to the late Arna W. and Elizabeth (Lauck) Hammel.

He was a Christian man who was dedicated to his family and church. He set a fine example for others to follow. He was a member of Cypress Baptist Church since 1960, where he served as a deacon for many years. Don worked for Faultless Caster for 46 years as a tool and die maker, where he met his wife, Betty. He served in the Navy on the USS Oriskany during the Korean War. He loved his garden and sharing the produce God gave him. Don loved fishing; he was quite good at it, and his dog, Teddy Bear. As a boy, Don grew up in Elberfeld and graduated high school there.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Marie (Hampton) Hammel; children, Debra Dawn (Steve) Jones of Greeneville, TN and Tony (Marla) Hammel of Boonville; grandchildren, Katy and Alyssa Hammel of Boonville and Traci and Roger Jones of Greeneville, TN; great-grandchildren, Jaida and Breanna of Greeneville, TN; brother, John (Shirley) Hammel of Wichita, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Services will be 6:00 PM Friday, February 5, 2016, at Cypress Baptist Church, 5166 West State Route 62, Boonville, officiated by Brother Todd Jones. Per Don’s request, cremation will be performed and no services will be held at Alexander East Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cypress Baptist Church Memorial Fund or Warrick Humane Society. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.