Obituary of Richard Hammel
Age 85, a resident of National City since 1992, formerly of Mt. Morris Township, passed away peacefully at his home under the loving care of his family and hospice on Saturday, April 9, 2022. In accordance with Richard's wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00pm until 7:00pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Condolences may be shared with the family on Richard's tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Richard was born in Flint, the son of Walter C. and Mary Kathryn (Ford) Hammel on Sept. 9, 1936. He graduated from Flushing High School and soon after went on to begin his long 30-year career working as a Pipe Fitter with General Motors Corporation. Richard married his wife and best friend, Joyce (LaBarge) Hammel in Flint on in January of 1955. Together the couple celebrated 64 beautiful years of marriage until Joyce's passing. Richard spent a number of years serving the community. He was a long time member of the Beecher Booster Club and he was elected to the Mt. Morris Township board where he served several terms as a Trustee. Then Richard was elected to the Genesee County Board of Commission where he served several years as Board Chair, and directly involved in the establishment of the Parks Commission and Central Dispatch for Genesee County. While at the County, Richard served as President of the Michigan Association of Counties for two terms. Richard then was appointed Manager Director of Genesee County Road Commission where he served for a number of years. After his retirement, he moved to Iosco County where he was appointed to the Park Commission and became the chair seat, working diligently to expand and better the county's snowmobile trails. One of Richard's favorite hobbies was snowmobiling and enjoying the beauty of Michigan's winters. He truly enjoyed just staying active and traveling to many different destinations.
Richard accomplished many achievements throughout his life but his love and care for his family was his priority. Anytime anyone needed him he was there doing what he could with no hesitation. Richard’s love for Joyce shined every day and even more so when he cared for her through her illness. He also had a passion for his gardening, planting flowers and tending to them all year long. In his free time Richard enjoyed watching sports, football and college basketball, especially the Detroit Tigers. Richard was also known for his practical jokes, he loved playing pranks on people to make them laugh. He loved family get togethers, spending time will his children and grandchildren. Richard will be missed dearly by all those that knew him.
Richard is survived by his four loving children: Theresa (Dennis) Miller, Richard (Debra) Hammel, Susan (Mark) Hart, and Cheryl (John) Bennett; three brothers: Bud (Judy) Coad, Bill Coad, and Steve Carpenter; three sisters: Nancy Robinson, Pam Spencer, and Vince Horner; 13 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his sister: Gretchen Coad; parents: Walter Hammel and Mary Ford Carpenter; step mother: Ellyn Hammel; and step father: Jim Carpenter.
Richard's obituary was lovingly written by his family.