C. Steve Hammond was born on September 12th, 1943 to Louis K. and Elizabeth Hammond. Steve was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona where he lived until his death. Steve attended Wakefield Junior High and then to Pueblo High School. Steve proudly played on the only State Championship Football team in Pueblo High’s history in 1961. Steve was also voted Prom King his senior year. After high school, Steve joined the US Army and started his military career at Fort Ord, California. Steve proudly served his country as an expert marksman and sharpshooter. Steve’s love for sports continued throughout his stint in the Army playing football, baseball, and even boxing. He was stationed in Hawaii on the island of Oahu and shared memories of the days he spent there, often with a wry smile. While Steve enjoyed his time in Hawaii, he said his favorite duty station was Thailand, where he stayed for some time before being deployed for two tours in Vietnam. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Steve returned to Tucson. He also returned to his lifelong passion for cars. Steve could often be found under the hood of many a vehicle, whether his own hot rod or those of his brothers or friends. Along with his fondness of working on hot rods, he also enjoyed racing them. He could be found dragging his cars or watching the drags most of his life. It was his knowledge and skill of engines that would change his life forever. He was contacted by a man who needed an engine to be rebuilt. Little did Steve know that this engine belonged to his future father-in-law. After rebuilding the engine, Steve became a friend of the family. During one of his visits Steve saw Marty and her sisters off on a trip to visit family in California. Steve said it was while Marty was on this trip that he realized how much he cared for her. Steve married the love of his life on December 9th, 1972. They would be inseparable for the following 46 years. Steve would always say that Marty was the best thing to ever happen to him. The next 46 years were filled with car shows, races, softball games, camping, dances, casinos, and keeping up with their many beloved nieces, nephews, and God Children. Steve and Marty could be seen twirling around the dance floor or leading the electric slide. Never ones to pass up a great time, Steve was often the life of the party. He could be found leading the laughter by playing practical jokes, by pulling a tortilla out of his shirt pocket, or by nailing his one-liners. If people were laughing and having a good time, Steve was sure to be at the center. In August of 2019, a piece of Steve’s heart was buried with his loving wife, Marty. Steve was never the same. Try as he might, the next four years were hard on Steve. He had lost his partner, his soulmate. On September 1st, under the loving and watchful care of his loving family, Steve decided to enter the final chapter of his life. He was ready to go to his eternal home and see Marty. On September 18th, 2023, Steve was reunited with the love of his life, just as he longed to be. Steve passed peacefully in the home he and Marty built with love, listening to “Amazing Grace,” he took his next breath in heaven.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Louis K. and Elizabeth Hammond; brother Louis K. Hammond Jr. “Kenny”; Nephews: Michael, Albert, Brian, and Godson Louis; and by his beloved wife Martha “Marty”.
Steve’s memory will live on in the hearts of his siblings Diana Wilson, and Richard (Rita); daughter, Sabrina (Jaime) Barillas; In-laws; Luis (Joann) Mariscal, Gloria (David) Bojorquez, Carmen (David) Montijo; many beloved Godchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews (all of whom call him Nino), grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and innumerable extended family and friends.
Services honoring Steve will be held October 2nd, 2023 at Most Holy Trinity Parish 1300 N. Greasewood Rd. Tucson, AZ 85745. Visitation 9:30 – 10:30 am, Rosary 10:30 – 11:00 am, Funeral Mass 11:00 am. Burial will follow the funeral services at Holy Hope Cemetery 3555 N Oracle Rd., Tucson AZ, 85705.
The family has entrusted Funeraria del Angel – South Lawn with arrangements.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Hammond family.
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