William D. Hamaker

William (Bill) D. Hamaker peacefully passed away on October 11th at his home in Indianapolis with his loving family surrounding him. He was 100 years old and had the great fortune of having led a full and happy life. Bill was best known as the owner and pharmacist of Hamaker Pharmacy at 49th and Penn, an old traditional type of business grounded on trust, service, and relationships. It became a local institution for years and years and is still remembered by the dozens of kids who had their first jobs there. He is survived by his 4 children, Carol Killen, Elise Smith and Don and Bruce Hamaker, and his 8 grandchildren and his 13 great grandchildren, all of whom will greatly miss him.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and raised his family there with the love of his life, Irene (Renie) Hamaker, who passed away in 2023 after 74 years of marriage. He graduated from Purdue University in pharmacy in 1947 after serving in the U.S. Army as a medic in the Pacific Theater during WW II.

Life to him was about being fully engaged, always looking forward and learning. He taught his children to live life and be comfortable in the world, and to pursue new things and ideas. He and Renie were very active in Indianapolis culture and events but loved to explore the world, too. After selling the corner in 1988, Renie’s present to him was a World Atlas and a promise to go anywhere they wanted as long as it was together. Beyond his family, Bill enjoyed sailing and racing his Hobie Cat, was active in the church and community groups, and, after retiring, he expanded his community engagement, including being an active volunteer and board member of the Nature Conservancy. His legacy lives on in the generations of family he loved and in the many lives he touched.

The family will honor him with a private celebration of his life.