Reverend Pastor Walter DeLee Hamm

Reverend Pastor Walter DeLee Hamm, age 89, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at his home in Warren. He was born September 22, 1929 in Coeburn, Virginia, son of the late Robert Franklin and the late Oma (nee: Ramey) Hamm.

Pastor Walter D. Hamm, Sr. was truly a man of God. As stated by the Apostle Paul; “He who does not work, neither shall he eat,”…well, Walter was always well fed. A hard worker to the core, his day job was spent as a machinist for the Chrysler Corporation where his specific expertise focused on die sinking. With a unique and genuine eye for the preciseness required in his work, Walter was an integral part in helping to create the exemplary products that hailed from the Motor Capital of the world. Yet,…this was the work that Walter punched a clock to effect.

But there was another side to Walter’s life that kept him quite active,…and it had so much more to do with a “calling” rather than a career. You see…in this work, his boss was not of this world, but was the Lord, God Almighty. From a young age, Walter had heard and learned about the promises of God and yearned to share the wealth of his faith and knowledge. So it was, on one glorious day, that Walter heard his Father in Heaven and answered his call to ministry, a day that changed his life immensely,…along with the countless souls he affected through his caring words and prayers. For 37 years, Walter was the devoted Pastor & Shepherd of the Free Pentecostal Holiness Church in Detroit, a bastion of God’s love and salvation. Truly a light amidst the darkness, Pastor Hamm ministered with the power of God and the saving grace of a risen Savior.

Perhaps most telling of this honorable and compassionate man, Pastor Hamm had a special heart for the underprivileged and those discarded from mainstream society. Just as Jesus addressed the same; “inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Caring for the down-trodden was a call he not only took seriously, but made his life’s mission as he opened himself to the leading of the Word and spirit. Pastor Hamm epitomized the love of Jesus Christ throughout the entirety of his life.

As some may ponder the question of existence and eternity of the animal kingdom, Walter D. Hamm, Sr. loved all that Almighty God created, especially wildlife with a special affection for birds. For many decades, Walter raised domesticated birds and enjoyed a home filled with the beauty and sounds of the avian species. In their delicate nature, they reigned supreme on his list of God’s creatures, as well as in his heart.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Walter leaves a legacy of love that will be admired unto eternity by the countless many who were touched by his role as mentor, minister, and man of God’s choosing. He was blessed by many and blessed others in return, and each reflection shared will be a pleasant reminder of a man who walked with God. He will be missed immensely.

Go Rest High, Dear Brother.

Walter was the beloved husband of the late Charlene, and loving father of Janice (Jeffrey) Blevins, Joseph Hamm, Walter Hamm Jr., David Hamm, and the late Charles Hamm. He was also the devoted grandfather of Jewell Blevins, Jessica (Justin) Leach, Jennie (Josh) Lawson, Jannika (Jesse) Johnson, and caring great-grandfather of Lydia, Logan, Jaden, Isabella, and Bentley.

Visitation for Walter will be held Saturday, August 10th from 4:30 – 9:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm Funeral Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Officiating the service will be pastor’s from within the Hamm family.

Following his visitation, Walter will be escorted to Castlewood, Virginia where he will be laid to rest at Temple Hill Memorial Park Cemetery where he will join his beloved Charlene.

Please share memories of Walter at his guest book below.