Luther H. Hammons

Luther Hasting Hammons of Madison, MS. passed away peacefully on December, 20, 2012, after failing health. Mr. Hammons was born on November 22, 1923, in Wesson, MS. to the late Eugene N. and Hattie Hammons. Nine brothers and sisters predeceased him.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 22, 2012, at 2:00pm with services to follow directly afterwards at Wright & Ferguson, Highland Colony Parkway, Madison, MS. Burial will be at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery on Clinton Boulevard with Reverend David Carroll officiating.

Luther was a charter member of Broadmeadow United Methodist Church and Saint Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Lifelong friends were made in Fellowship Sunday School, Seasoned Saints, and while serving as usher in earlier years.

Luther was educated in public schools in Wesson, Yazoo City, and Jackson. He belonged to the state guard and provided security at the shipyards on the Gulf Coast at the start of WWII. Luther joined the army during and served in the Solomon Islands, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He was a Platoon Sergeant and Communication Leader, earning numerous medals and ribbons, including the bronze star. Luther also was a charter member of the WWII Museum in New Orleans, La.

After returning from service, Luther joined many home builders who built homes mainly for veterans of WWII. His career with Redd Pest Control spanned nearly 40 years, retiring as supervisor for the State of MS. While at Redd Pest, he was one of the most knowledgeable of wood-destroying organisms, contributing material for a national textbook. He was a member of local, state, and national pest control associations, and training took him to Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Luther was a former member of Northwoods Exchange Club, Home Builders of Jackson, and Associated General Contractors of MS.

Luther was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his son, grandsons, brothers-in-law, nephews, and his late father-in-law, Clyde C. Burns. Watching the Atlanta Braves was a favorite past time. Everyone who spent time with Luther admired his quiet strength, loyalty, and true sportsmanship.

Luther married the love of his life, Delores Burns Hammons, in 1947, and they were married for nearly 65 years. He is also survived by his daughter Beverly Newton, Madison, MS.; son, Rick Hammons, Madison, MS.; grandsons Chad Newton, Knoxville, TN, and Dustin Newton, Madison, MS.; great grandson, Chadwick James (CJ) Newton, Knoxville, TN., and other special family members.

Luther had a deep abiding faith, a gentle spirit, and the respect of family and friends who will truly miss him.

Memorials may be made to Saint Matthews UMC for Christ Cupboard, 7427 Old Canton Rd., Madison, MS. 39110, or the charity of your choice.