SMSgt (RET) Robert Eugene Hammer

SMSgt (Ret) Robert E. Hammer, “Bob”, was born on August 7, 1938 in Lindsay, California to Frank “Tack” and Madine Hammer. It is with deep sorrow that we announce Bob’s passing on February 12, 2025, after a brief and sudden illness.

Bob was a loving husband, a dedicated father, a steadfast friend, and a man of unyielding faith. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Catherine; his four children, Larry Hammer (Yolanda), Katherine Gough (Eddie), Mark Green (Leslie) and Bret Green (Cindy). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and family members that he loved dearly.

Bob first married his high school sweetheart, Ann Pemelton, in June 1958. Together, they raised their two children, Larry and Katherine, until she passed in 1980 after a lengthy illness. Bob carried on with resilience and love, and married Catherine (Cookie) on May 22, 1982. Bob became not only a stepdad to Cookie’s two boys, but a dad in every sense of the word. Mark and Bret were his children from the start. Bob and Cookie built a beautiful life together traveling in their motor home, enjoying countless cruises, and building lasting friendships.

Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1958 and retiring in 1984. His military career helped shape his character – disciplined, dependable, and always ready to serve. Bob’s career in Air Force Intelligence took him to places around the world including Taiwan; Okinawa; Thailand; Frankfurt Germany; Iraklion AS Crete; NSA in Ft Meade MD; Misawa AB Japan and Kelly AFB (Security Hill). He retired in San Antonio and continued a career with Civil Service for the next 13 years. Bob was awarded many Air Force decorations during his career – among them, the Meritorious Medal with many Oak Leaf Clusters and a myriad of Defense Air Force medals.

Beyond his service, Bob was a gifted carpenter who could build or fix anything. His hands were always building and fixing. Whether it was building beautiful and stunning decks, remodeling homes or embarking on projects for family and friends, Bob was the master of his craft -- always approaching each task with care, precision and pride.

Bob was also known for crafting beautiful stained-glass pieces that reflected his creativity, patience and remarkable talent. Bob found joy in fishing, building puzzles with his wife, traveling the country, cruising the seas, and telling stories like nobody’s business. He always looked forward to Sunday dinners with his large extended family and when asked what he wanted to drink, he always replied “diet water”. Simply put, Bob enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.

There are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss, but we find comfort in knowing that Bob left a legacy of love, strength, integrity, and devotion. Above all, he taught us that love endures. It carried him through life’s hardest moments and will keep his memory alive in all of us. Even in his final days, though his body weakened, his spirit remained strong – his sense of humor intact, his presence reassuring, and his love unwavering. He faced everything with the same quiet strength and loyalty that defined his life, always striving to let us know that everything would be okay. Though he is no longer with us, his love lives on in each of us, and his spirit will forever remain. Bob will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

The family will be receiving friends and family from 10:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Road.

The Rosary will be held same day at 10:30 at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M. at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Road. Reception to follow at the church.

Bob will be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:30 (shelter No.3) at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.

Donations to St. Jude or flowers are welcome.