Herbert Hamann

Herbert Hamann, 88, of Grandview, Missouri, passed away on December 24, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 30 at the John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Herb was born on August 19, 1923 in Henrietta, Missouri to William and Mary (Curtis) Hamann. As a youth, Herb attended the public schools of Richmond, Missouri and helped in his father's grocery store. After graduation, he enrolled at Central Missouri Teachers College, where he played football, until World War II intervened. After the United States' entry into the war, Herb suspended his college education and joined the Army Air Corps, where he was trained as an aerial gunner. His unit, the 100th Bomb Group, flew B-17s in bombing missions over Europe. On Herb's 31st mission, over Berlin, his B-17 was shot down, and he was captured. He was held in the POW camp at Stalag Luft I near Barth, Germany until he was liberated by the Russians in May 1945. Herb was awarded the European African Middle East Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the Army Air Medal with four bronze crosses, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945. After his discharge, Herb enrolled at the University of Missouri. He received his M.S. and B.S. degrees from MU and played football for the university. Herb was a teacher and coach at Lexington (Missouri) High School, where he met another teacher, Melba Strathman. They were married in 1953 and remained married until her death in 2006. Starting in 1955, Herb was a teacher and coach in the Hickman Mills (Missouri) School District for over thirty years. At various times in his career, Herb taught mathematics, science, physical education, and health, and he coached football, basketball, and track. He was the head football coach at Ruskin High School for ten years. Herb was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Bill, Mildred, Omer, Curtis, Patricia, Charles, and George, and by his wife, Melba. He is survived by his sons, Daniel (Leigh) and Mark and by his granddaughter, Stephanie Hamann. The family deeply appreciates the care provided to Herb by many professionals over the last few years. They suggest memorial contributions to the Hickman Mills Education Foundation or to the charity of your choice . Condolences may be made at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com McGilley and George Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 12913 Grandview Rd, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250