Lawrence "Larry" C. Hammer

Lawrence Charles “Larry” Hammer, 79, of Hanna City, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Unity Point Health – Proctor in Peoria. He was born on April 13, 1943, a son of Verlin Dwight and Fern (Houchins) Hammer. Larry spent the last 20 years of his life with Mary “Jane” Lopeman. They were united in marriage on September 22, 2017 in Peoria. She survives.

He is also survived by his three sons, Patrick C. Hammer of Princeville, Lawrence T. Hammer of Bloomington, Indiana, and Andrew W. Hammer of Hanna City; step-daughter, Leslie (Chad) Gavelys of Yates City; step-son, Christopher Zeglen of Anchorage, Alaska; three grandchildren, Carissa, Carmen, and Carter Gavelys; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; son, V. “Ed” Hammer; and three sisters, Pat, Barbara, and Nancy.

He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1966, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Larry last worked for the Peoria Park District Police and was the first Horse Mounted police unit for the park district, retiring in 2016. He previously had worked as a police officer for the Elmwood Police Department for 12 years, retiring in 2012. He was also a sergeant for the Peoria Police Department for 33 years, retiring in 2000.

He was a member of Hanna City United Methodist Church where he served for years as a lay leader. Larry was also a member of the River City Saddle Club, Jubilee Saddle Club, Police Benevolent Association, and American Legion Limestone Post 979.

Larry was most happy living on his acreage, he loved being out at his “farm”. He enjoyed his horses and watching westerns. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all.

Larry's funeral service will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Rev. Walter Wilkins and Rev. Robert DeBolt will officiate. His visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Wednesday, also at the funeral home. The committal service will take place at Princeville Township Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hanna City United Methodist Church or the BYE Ambulance Service.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Larry's family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.