Olin L. Hammer

Olin L Hammer, 78, of Westerville, Ohio passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born to Franklin & Hazel Hammer on Sept 17, 1946 at home in King City, MO. His family moved to St Joseph, MO where Olin grew up and graduated from Benton High School.

Olin served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1966-1969 where he learned refrigeration. He was based out of Norfolk, VA and served on the USS Cambria, doing three tours in the Mediterranean Sea. When on leave from the Navy, he met his future wife, Roberta (Birdie) Murray. They were married in 1968 for 56 years.

Once out of the Navy, Olin began work with Sears in St Joseph. In 1974, he then went to work at Hobart Corp. in Troy, Ohio as their National Service Manager. In 1987, Olin took a sales rep job for commercial kitchen equipment in Westerville, Oh. He stayed in that sales field until he retired in 2014.

He loved the Buckeyes and football; golf, too, but a bad back sidelined him from golf. Beginning in 2005, a group of Buckeye fans would discuss football, politics and all topics at the Rusty Bucket / New Albany while enjoying their favorite beverage. It wasn’t diet coke! The called their weekly meetings, “The Bored Meeting!”

He loved deeply his grandson, Parker. Olin would say, “Parker was his best friend” to anyone. Olin enjoyed, loved and supported Parker in playing baseball. Once asked who was the best travel ball player in area, he replied, “my grandson”! His grand-dog, Ava, was always waiting for Olin to pull out a treat!

His family and friends will miss the wonderful man who was always available for advice, help or to just listen. Olin is survived by his wife, Birdie; daughter, Stephanie (Chris) Abernathy, grandson, Parker Abernathy; siblings Dean (Jeanne) Hammer; George (Nancy) Hammer; Sister/Brother-in-laws, Nita Serafini, Michelle (John) Baber, & Troy (Donna) Murray. He is preceded in death by his father & mother, Franklin & Hazel Hammer.

Friends are welcome to pay their final respects on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 3pm - 4pm at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, with a Celebration of Olin’s life beginning at 4pm.

In keeping with Olin’s wishes he will be cremated following services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kidney Foundation.