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David Lee Hammond
A Glimpse at David Hammond’s Life
David Lee Hammond was born at his parents’ home on May 16, 1929 in South Milwaukie, Wisconsin. His mother often said that “David was born when the lilacs were in bloom.” He was an active child. His aunt still recalls visits to his grandparents’ Minnesota farm when she was babysitting. With the aid of her dog, old boy Teddy, who would gently grab Dave’s wrist in his mouth to keep him from running off, Margaret managed to protect her hyperactive nephew from himself. As he grew up, Dave enjoyed many summer vacations at that farm and Teddy eventually stopped restraining him.
Dave made the decision to follow Jesus Christ in Sunday School. His faith grew progressively stronger. In 1944, during Dave’s sophomore year, his family moved to Evansville, Indiana when his dad’s job transferred them. Dave found lifelong friends in the youth group at Calvary Baptist Church.
Being a hard worker from early on, Dave started with a paper route and later worked pre-dawn and post-sunset hours in a meat market and grocery store with a full day of high school sandwiched in between. He saved money for college and brought home groceries to supplement the family budget. Dave occasionally found time to get away and canoe in northern Minnesota. He also had a brief career in amateur boxing where he won his Golden Gloves jacket and retired undefeated after a one-time surprise knockout fight. Dave enjoyed local swimming holes and his parents seemed to appreciate that he saved his younger brother Phil from drowning on three occasions.
A love of the outdoors inspired Dave to be a forest ranger. However priority was given to WWII Veterans applying for these programs so Dave studied education at Bob Jones University in South Carolina. One highlight was when he obtained his private pilot’s license and co-owned a Piper Cub with other members of the college flying club. More importantly, college was where he met Bobbie, the love of his life. They married on June 8, 1951 at Bobbie’s parents' home in Scottsdale, Arizona shortly after their graduation. Less than a year later, Dave was drafted into the army. He was assigned to a counter-intelligence unit in Italy for a year. He felt fortunate to be there, living undercover as a civilian, and was thrilled to have Bobbie join him for a summer. From then on, Italy held a warm spot in his heart. He also enjoyed visiting Europe that year with his brother, Phil, who was a basketball star for the army.
After his discharge, Dave and Bobbie settled into life in Arizona where he taught middle school. They made attempts at ranching on their then rural Scottsdale Road property but Bobbie grew too fond of the cow to eat it, which wasn't good for agribusiness. Dave obtained his Master’s Degree in Education at Arizona State University. Their first child, Jana, was born in 1956. She was followed by Paula, two years later.
In 1961, the Hammonds moved to La Mirada, California where Dave served as faculty in the Education Department at Biola University and later as Director of the Media Center. Dave earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California in 1969. Dr. Hammond became a serious USC Trojan football fan, while not entirely forsaking the Arizona State Sun Devils. He enjoyed taking his daughters to USC games. Dave adored his daughters and they adored him. Being in education allowed for long summer breaks and Dave loved taking his family touring throughout the U.S. They camped, visited historic sites, family, and friends. These family times seemed all the more precious when Dave’s oldest daughter, Jana, became ill and died suddenly of leukemia at age 18. Though devastated by this loss, Dave found his God to be faithful and amazing to bring good out of sorrow, by helping countless others to know the hope Jana had through her faith in Christ.
Dave taught at Biola University for 29 years and greatly valued the school and the many relationships he made there. He was actively involved in various roles in church all of his adult life. He most enjoyed leading Bible studies and the study he did in preparation. Dave was fascinated by prophecy. He had a heart for missions and a passion for Jewish ministries as he so desired for Jews to know their Messiah. He wanted others to know Jesus Christ who gave his life joy, meaning, and the promise of eternal life. Dave and Bobbie entertained many people in their home and made many long-lasting friendships.
After retiring in 1991, Dave and Bobbie fulfilled a dream by moving to Coarsegold, California, near Yosemite National Park. They enjoyed their 7+ acres on the Fresno River and were actively involved in the community. Life changed after Bobbie’s stroke in 2002 so they moved to Beaverton, Oregon to be near their daughter, Paula. They loved Oregon, their new friends at Cedar Mill Bible Church, their neighbors, as well as many of Paula’s friends whom they “adopted.” Bobbie and Dave celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary as Oregonians.
Bobbie died suddenly on August 19, 2012 with Dave and Paula at her side. After fighting cancer for over two years himself, Bobbie's sudden passing was a shock for Dave. He bravely carried on for the next 13 months, missing Bobbie greatly. Dave and Paula had some precious times together until September 12, 2013 when Dave went home to heaven. Dave did not fear death because he knew he would be with his Lord, where he is now proclaiming “My God, How Great Thou Art.”
View the Military Honors and Gravesite Service. Click the play button below.
Video Slideshow. Click play button below:
Audio Recording of memorial church service. Press play button below: