Richard E. Hammond

Feb. 19, 1921-Oct. 9, 2004

CURTIS -- Richard Elbert Hammond, 83, died Saturday (Oct. 9, 2004) at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

He was born Feb. 19, 1921, to Merlen Wright and Hazel Davis Hammond in Lincoln County, north of Moorefield. He grew up on a ranch and he graduated from the Nebraska School of Agriculture in 1940.

On Oct. 22, 1941, he married Frances Eleanor Schick in Phillipsburg, Kan.

He joined the Army during World War II and served with the Army of Occupation in Japan. The couple farmed and ranched most of their lives in the Curtis area.

He was a member of the Curtis United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post No. 95, the Curtis Roping Club, the school board and was a past superintendent of the Sunday school at the methodist church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gail; and one sister, Barbara Farrar.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor of Curtis; two daughters, Lenore and husband, Tyre Nelson of Hayes Center and Elaine and husband, Larry Elson of Curtis; one son, Rick and wife, Heidi Hammond of Clarks; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services are Tuesday, 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Curtis with the Rev. Kevin Burkhardt officiating. Interment will be prior to the service, 10 a.m., at Curtis Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 9 p.m., at Blaze Wetzel Funeral Home in Curtis.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church or to the donor's choice.

Blase Wetzel Funeral Home of Curtis is in charge of the arrangements.