Charles R Hammer

Dr. Charles R. Hammer, 84, went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, October 16th, 2011. He was born on Sunday August 7th, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee and died peacefully in Pueblo, Colorado, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his mother Reva, his father Charles, and his brother George.

He is survived by his sister Joy Bemis, his wife of 55 years Beverly, son David, daughter Valerie Rief, grandchildren Christopher and Brandon Rief, Michael Hammer, Kory McCoy, and great-grandchildren Zhender Carnahan/Rief and Bentley Rief.

He served in the United States Navy during World War Two, and earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Utah in 1957. He taught chemistry at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, Idaho State University, and the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, Colorado. He retired in 1992 after 38 years of teaching, and was awarded Professor Emeritus in 1995.

Active in the church his entire life, he served tirelessly as song leader, teacher and church treasurer. He was an accomplished cello player, loved music, and enjoyed travel, photography, computers and his grandchildren.

Visitation with the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 19th at Adrian Comer Funeral Home.

Funeral Service 2:00 p.m. Thursday October 20th at Heritage Baptist Church, 2122 Overton Road, with interment at Imperial Memorial Gardens.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at The Pavilion for their care and support over the last three and a half years. Their kindness is deeply felt and appreciated.