Robert "Bob" Hammett

Robert E. “Bob” Hammett, 90, of Washington, passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 8, 2018, in Donnell House, with his wife of 63 years, who was also his caregiver during his lengthy illness, by his side. He was born August 19, 1928, in Freeport, Illinois, a son of John A. and Icia R. Hillberry Hammett. An auto mechanic most of his life, Mr. Hammett owned Bob’s Esso, worked for Ford as a mechanic and service manager, and then for Millcraft Industries as a transmission mechanic. He served as a Corporal in the U. S. Army with the 6th Army Medical Depot during the Korean Conflict and was awarded the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Mr. Hammett was a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, Washington County Metal Detectors, Silver Sneakers, and Canton Township Volunteer Fire Company, where he was a past assistant chief.  For several years, he was active with Boy Scout Troop 26, where he had served as a scout master. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and stained glass. On January 28, 1956, he married his wife of almost 63 years, Carolyn A. Riley, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Brian R. (Renee) Hammett and Chris A. (Tina) Hammett, both of Washington; three grandchildren, Samantha (Matthew) Newcomb, US Air Force, Newport News, Virginia, Amanda Hammett (fiancé Justin Shively) of Washington, and Austin (Meredith) Hammett of Washington; six great-grandchildren, Rowan and Vander Newcomb, and Harley, Maverick, Oliver and Lucas; and a nephew, Tim Hammett of Washington. He was preceded in death by six siblings. Friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 14th, with Pastor Bob Neal officiating.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.