Howell G. Hammond

Howell G. Hammond, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away into the loving arms of the Lord on December 5th after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was 93.
He was born in Hagerstown on March 6th, 1926, to Mary Shupp Hammond Grove and Howell G. Hammond Sr. He lived in Hagerstown for over 60 years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Warner Hammond, sister Joenda Cook, and brother Jackie Hammond.
He joined the Navy and served in WWII aboard the U.S.S. Grumium from 1944-1946 in the South Pacific. This was his greatest achievement, and he remained a proud, humble veteran.
He worked for Motor Truck Service for 30 years as parts manager, and retired from Mack Trucks after 15 years in 1987. Always hardworking, he held many jobs after retirement. He got the greatest joy out of his job as driver and job coach for O.S.I. in Chambersburg. He loved working with their clients.
He managed baseball teams at American Little League and Hagerstown Pony League. He was an umpire at Halfway Little League. He was a member of the Alsatia Club for almost 60 years, serving as President and Mummers Parade Chairman. He bowled in the Alsatia Bowling League, was a member of Morris Frock Post 42 American Legion, and member and president (and one of three last survivors) of the WWII Last Mans Club. He played in the Morris Frock drum and bugle corps. He was a member of the WWII Round Table, and former member of the Hagerstown Elks Lodge 378. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hagerstown, where he served on the property committee and as usher. He was part of the 9:30 Sunday school class and bowled with the Sunday School League. After moving to Chambersburg, he was a member of the First Lutheran Church, serving as usher and on the property committee. He was also a past PTA president and member of the Boys and Girls Club.
Howell was an avid golfer, once getting a hole in one. He had an RV and loved travelling. He loved all animals and cared for homeless cats. He followed sports and was passionate about politics, believing in equality for all. He embraced his faith and was famous for his bright smile and warm, loving, gentle demeanor. He had room in his heart for everyone. He was wise and shared his great humor with all. He had a special place in his heart for his rescued cat, Big Boy. Howell was full of life and love.
His memory leaves an astounding legacy of pride, service, love of country, and love for others.
He treasured his family most of all. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Gloria Hammond; son, Gary (Julie) Hammond; daughter, Kathy Hammond; stepson, Michael (Kristin) Riego; stepdaughter, Melisa (Jennifer) Riego; grandson, Brian (Genny) Hammond; granddaughter, Mary Schultz; step grandsons, Marc and Mike Riego; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Maddie Hammond.
A memorial service with military honors, interment, and reception will take place at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Hagerstown on Dec. 12th at 1 pm. The Rev. Jane Nicholson will be officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service.
The family extends their gratefulness to SpiritTrust Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Howells name to SpiritTrust Hospice of Chambersburg and Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter in Chambersburg.