William Hammer

William A. Hammer (Bill, Willie, Sonny, Grandpa Bill… “Don’t call me Mr. Hammer", "That’s my Dad”) passed away peacefully on December 5th, 2024, in Olathe Kansas, with his wife by his side. 

Bill was born on May 26th, 1937, in Marion Kansas, to William R. Hammer, and Lola (Kohlman) Hammer. The eldest of 3 children, Bill was raised on a farm outside of Marion. Fishing, hunting, sports, and lots of mischief, filled his spare time growing up.

About the time he was 13, he went to a cakewalk at his country schoolhouse. His teacher (who would later become his Sister-In-Law) invited her little sister to the event. That pretty little girl didn’t leave the event with a cake, however, she went home with that boy’s heart. 

Bill attended Marion High School, graduating in 1955. He excelled at football and basketball (at least “excelled” is what he always told his kids?). 

On January 22nd, 1956, Bill took the hand of Clarice L. Collett in marriage. This was the start of a union that would last 68 years. Bill not only married Clarice on that day, but he gained another whole family that he loved dearly. Henry and Ethel Collett, and Clarice’s 8 siblings. 

After marriage, Bill and Clarice remained in Marion County, and Bill continued to farm. Bill eventually went to work in the oil fields and ran heavy equipment in the area.

In 1957, at the age of 20, Bill and Clarice welcomed a daughter, Jeanne Kay. In 1958, along came daughter #2, Rita Sue, and then in 1960, a son, Mike William. 

After this, Bill decided that it was time for a career change, and in June of 1961, he uprooted his family, and moved to Newton Kansas, where he went to work for the Newton Police Department. 

In June of 1963, along came another son, Dennis Lee, bringing the children count to 4. Bill continued patrolling the streets of Newton, a lot of the time with his trusty companion, Baron, one of the first police dogs to receive certification in the state. He continued to work part time jobs (running heavy equipment and doing construction) to take care of his family’s needs. 

In January of 1967, Bill became the Undersheriff of the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office. In September of that year, The Hammer Clan welcomed baby brother, Eric Todd into the mix. This brings the count to 5 kids in 10 years. This might also explain Bill’s distinct hairline! 

After an unsuccessful run for Sheriff in the 1968 election, Bill once again uprooted his family, and moved to Olathe Kansas, where he would join the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, in 1969. Over the next decade, he worked for the Sheriff’s Office, gaining the rank of Sergeant. He continued to work part-time jobs, to make sure that his children could participate in all the activities they enjoyed. 

After leaving the Sheriff’s Office, Bill had a short stint of driving trucks for a local concrete company. He then went to work for the City of Olathe Engineering Department as a Project Inspector, retiring in 1998. 

As a parent, when Bill wasn’t busy providing for his family, he was busy chasing his children to ball games, band and choir concerts, Job’s Daughters, scouts, wrestling meets…………. Sometimes helping to coach the teams. 

Bill was very active in the community. He was instrumental in starting the first Olathe Youth Wrestling Club along with a couple of other dads. He was always active in the Olathe High School Booster Club. Ralph Dennis would say that new stadium lights were needed; He’d call Bill. Ralph needed a new press box at the football stadium; he’d call Bill. Need more bleachers moved in for a big game; he’d call Bill. Bill made things happen.

Bill was a member the Olathe Masonic Lodge, and later the Overland Park Lodge. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, and the Abdallah Shrine Temple, as the Potentate in 2006. He was always very involved with the Kansas Shrine Bowl, and the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo. He enjoyed riding his Goldwing, or driving his mini-mustang go-kart in many parades with the other Shriners.

After all his children were grown up, and out of the house, he purchased a motorcycle. He and Clarice put many miles on their Goldwings. They took many vacations, hitting several coasts in this style. He always said that he knew when Clarice had fallen asleep because her helmet would start bumping into his. 

Bill was never any happier than when Grandkids started coming into his life. 3 granddaughters and 7 grandsons. It was funny how, all of the sudden, eating in the living room was ok! Touching his motorcycle; climbing all over it; was ok! Feet all over the couch, and on the coffee table? No problem! Like Clarice, they stole his heart.

Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents, and little sister, Sandra (Hammer) Tajchman. In July of this year (2024), he lost his eldest daughter, Jeanne Owens. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Clarice. His younger brother, Gary Hammer (Debbie) of Clarksville, Tn. His daughter, Rita Hunt (Steve). Sons Mike (Patty), Dennis (Janet) and Eric (Becca). 

Grandchildren Lesley Owens, Sarah Hammer, Austin Hunt, Michael Hammer, Jake Hammer, Will Hammer, Nick Hammer, Tucker Hammer, Zoe Hammer, Augie Hammer, and 6 Great-Grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 12th, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, Ks 66062. The family will receive guests starting at 12:00 PM, with a service at 2:30pm. 

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