NORWICH – The Rev. Donald R. Hammond, 74, of Norwich and former long time Preston resident, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, Feb. 8, 2012 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
The son of Oscar and Marion Nickerson Hammond, Don was born on April 14, 1937 in Norwich and attended the local schools. In June of 1955 Don entered the United States Air Force serving his country until his honorable discharge in June of 1959. He had worked for over 35 years in a janitorial capacity for the McDonald’s in Norwich. Deciding to enter the ministry, Don attended the Liberty Bible College as well as Trinity Seminary in Indiana earning his BA in education. He was ordained into the ministry in the mid 1980s. Dick was a long time member of the East Pharsalia Baptist Church where he became a Deacon in 1980 and shared the ministry with Jerry Sayles. Don had also taught Sunday school at the East Pharsalia Baptist Church and had served as minister at the Chenango Valley Home in Norwich.
On July 11, 1975 in Norwich he married Florence Sayles, who survives. Besides his wife Florence, Don is survived by his children Anita Triplett of Florida, his sons Donald Hammond Jr. and Chris Hammond both of Indiana, his step-children Crystal Riddle and husband Don, Wayne Bennett all of East Pharsalia, Frank Bennett and wife Sherry of Preston, Robin Young and husband Larry of Bainbridge, Mark Bennett and wife Laurie of South Plymouth and Joy Bennett and companion Dave MacLaury of Linklaen. Also surviving are many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
Don was predeceased by his brother Dean Hammond.
Funeral services for Don will be held at 6 p.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Paul Hills of Sherburne will officiate. Interment will be a t a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.