Paul Hamm

Paul Hamm, 87 Feb. 25, 1929 — Feb. 29, 2016 Bloomington — On the morning of February 29, 2016, Paul Hamm passed away peacefully at Brandon Health and Rehabilitation in Brandon, FL. Paul was 87 years old. Paul was born in Bloomington, IN on February 25, 1929. He was third of twelve children. Paul lived an eventful childhood. He told stories of his family moving every month or so, “just when the rent was due.” He was proud of where he came from, telling everyone his past made him stronger and brave enough to sign up for the military at the very young age of 14. Paul was always so proud of his U.S. Military service. He was a member of the U.S. Army from 1944 until his honorable discharge on November 17th, 1946, 3 months before his eighteenth birthday. Paul received draft papers after turning eighteen and told of having to convince the draft board he had already served for 32 months, taking his papers in for proof. He would tell stories of his trip to Germany, riding on a boat across the Atlantic for 18 days. One of his favorite stories of his service in Europe was one where he told of the time he delivered a baby on the side of the road. A woman was stranded, without help or medical attention, and Paul gave her his only blanket and shirt off of his back. He delivered her baby right there on the road and helped her to safety. He was a true hero from such a young age. Paul had many prized possessions from his time in World War II, but his favorites were his dog tags and a small bible signed personally by Franklin D. Roosevelt that he had with him his entire life. After returning from his service in World War II, Paul began driving an eighteen-wheeler across the country, hauling beef and other foods. One of his favorite and “funniest” stories from this time was when he slid off of a cliff while driving because of black ice, ending up in the kitchen of a mother and child. After telling that no one was hurt in the accident, he would always say, “that woman said words I hadn’t even heard of when I crashed into her kitchen, and she didn’t even offer me coffee or breakfast!” Then Paul met Hazel, his wife of nearly 53 years. He always would say, “she’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I would marry her all over again.” They enjoyed traveling the country with their horses. Paul won many horse shows, collecting ribbons and trophies everywhere he went. His favorite horse was Lady Postman, his prized appaloosa. The hours and days on the road kept Paul from his wife, Hazel, so he decided to take on a job that would allow him to come home every day. This is when he started working for Ralph Rogers. Paul was dedicated to whatever job he had at hand as was shown in his thirty year length of service to Mr. Rogers. He worked as a mechanic for Mr. Rogers and was his personal caregiver. Paul was a member of the Ellettsville Church of Christ for many years. He loved going to worship on Sundays, being the doorman and shaking everyone’s hand. Paul loved people and loved to talk. He was a generous, kind, and loving spirit. When Paul was 63, his only grandchild, Staci, was born. He was recently retired and stayed home to care for Staci, sitting for hours in the rocking chair if she was sleeping, afraid if he moved he would wake her up. Paul and Hazel loved spending time with Staci, taking her to the fair and horseback riding. He was so proud of her accomplishments, as she graduated with honors from The University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health. She went on to graduate school at South University Physician Assistant Program and is expected to graduate next month. Paul always would say, “My two favorite ladies in the whole world are Hazel and Staci.” Paul is preceded in death by his father (Harvey Hamm), mother (Ida Mae Hamm), and son (Wayne Smith). Paul is survived by Hazel (wife), Staci (granddaughter), brothers, sisters, cousins, and many wonderful friends. Special thanks to our dear friends at the Ellettsville Church of Christ for their continuous love and support. Funeral services will be held at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Jarrod Jacobs will officiate the service. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 until time of services.

Paul Hamm

February 25, 1929 - February 29, 2016