John Hammel

John Hammel, born September 15, 1949, passed away April 18, 2024, with his loving wife Sue by his side. John lived a full life and will be missed but never forgotten. He loved his family and always did what he thought was best for them.

As a boy, John enjoyed playing sports and had jobs as a caddie and lifeguard. One of John’s fondest childhood memories was playing a little league baseball game at Busch Stadium.

He attended Belleville Township high school and went on to college at Georgia Tech, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. John was hard working and held several jobs during and after college, including at steel mills, as a salesman, and security guard at a liquor store. Eventually, John became the Executive Vice President of Peerless Premier Appliance Company, where he worked alongside his father, Cliff, and sister, Judy.

John met his wife Sue at the Sierra Vista apartments in St. Louis, where they both lived, on March 8, 1973. Their courtship began in an inauspicious manner when on one of their first dates at the Kentucky Derby, John got up to get a program, only to go missing for the rest of the weekend. Despite this, John and Sue were married on September 9, 1978. They were blessed with three children: Christy, Bob, and David.
John enjoyed taking his family on vacations. Some of their favorite spots were the Lake of the Ozarks, Gulf Shores, and Callaway Gardens. John and Sue cherished their annual trips to Captiva Island where they enjoyed lounging at the pool, playing golf, and dining at the island’s most delicious restaurants. He also loved to visit Arizona to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

John had many hobbies. He was a lifelong golfer. He played on his high school team, enjoyed rounds with his wife and children, early morning matches against his brother Jeff, and weekly outings and trips with his friends. John played softball and bowled in a league for many years. He enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball, going to Blues games, and rooting for his alma mater, Georgia Tech. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed casting for largemouth bass and crappie at the Lake of the Ozarks. John liked to take in the horse races at Fairmount Park and eventually became an owner himself. He displayed the winning photos of his horses proudly at his home. He spent many nights rolling craps at the casino and later enjoyed playing poker. John loved to garden and each spring the azaleas, redbuds, and dogwoods made his home in Oak Hill the envy of the neighborhood.
John demonstrated courage in the face of deteriorating health and continued to mow his lawn, garden, and play golf until he was no longer physically able. His wife Sue showed constant devotion to him through the twilight of his life. Even in his darkest moments, John found joy at the sight of his grandchildren and laughter from his favorite television shows.

John was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: Clifford and Grace (Phillips) Hammel
• Sister: Susan Carey
• Brothers-in-law
  • Roger (Judy) Wagner
  • Jack (Susan) Carey
• Mother and father-in-law: Joseph and Vi (Bischof) Schulte

He is survived by his:

• Wife of 45 years: Sue
• Children
  • Christy (Bryant) Leo
  • Bob (Ali) Hammel
  • David (Courtney) Hammel
• Grandchildren
  • Aiden Leo
  • Rori Leo
  • Azalea Hammel
  • Clifford Hammel
  • Robert Hammel
  • baby boy Hammel
• Brother: Jeff Hammel
• Sister: Judy Wagner
• Sisters-in-law
  • Anita (Joe) Schulte
  • Mary (Larry) Milam
  • Maggie (Ed) Vasquez
  • Brenda (Jeff) Stanhouse
• Brothers-in-law
  • Joe (Anita) Schulte
  • Larry (Mary) Miliam
  • Ed (Maggie) Vasquez

Gathering: Please join us at The Falls on Thursday May 2, 2024, to celebrate John’s life and share your happiest memories of him. The Falls is located at 300 Admiral Weinel Boulevard in Columbia, IL. Appetizers and drinks will be served from 4-7 p.m.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to your favorite charity in John’s honor.