Joseph Leonard Hammer

Joe was born on September 5, 1927, in Haskell, Texas, to parents Leonard Benton Hammer and Florence Alice Couch. Joe was the 4th child of Leonard and Florence, having three loving big sisters always watching over him. Growing up in the middle of the Great Depression, things were hard for the family, but Joe and his sisters have fond memories growing up in their maternal grandparents home, even through difficult times.

After his sophomore year in high school, Joe’s sisters moved him to Houston with them, where he attended San Jacinto High School and worked odd jobs including delivering newspapers and a short stint as a soda jerk.

Upon graduation from high school, Joe attended Texas A&M University, his beloved Alma Mater. He relished his time in the Corps and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering.

In 1950, Joe was offered a job by Gulf Oil (now Chevron) in Venezuela and jumped at the chance to work overseas. His years in South America were some of the best years of his life. He went on adventures his family could only dream of. His kids still laugh that at 96 years old, he was still telling hilarious stories they had not heard. During his time overseas, Joe met Marilyn Mulroney, an American from Idaho working in South America in the Peace Corps. He showed up at her apartment to take her roommate out on a date and as fate would have it, Joe and Marilyn hit it off and the rest was history. They married in 1966, and had three children while in South America.

After leaving South America, Marilyn and Joe settled in Miami, FL, before relocating to Houston, TX, where the kids spent most of their childhood. Joe continued to work for Gulf Oil and often still traveled overseas. Joe and Marilyn shared their love of all Houston sports teams, from the Oilers to their beloved Houston Astros, to which they were long-time season ticket holders.

Joe was a long-time Boy Scout parent and leader and ushered both of his sons through their Eagle Scout journey. With a knack for detail, Joe was also a wonder at working at polling stations.

Joe and Marilyn shared 48 wonderful years together before Marilyn passed away in 2014.

Joe is survived by three children, son Brian Hammer and wife Jennifer, of College Station, son Jeff Hammer of Alexandria, VA, and daughter Brenda Wallin and husband Jon of Belton; as well as 8 grandchildren, Charlotte Hammer Childs and husband Jason of Harker Heights, William Hammer, Joey Hammer, Jacob Wallin, Clara Hammer, Kevin Hammer, Brooke Wallin and Lucy Hammer.

Joe was an incredible patriarch of the Hammer Family, which included sisters Amelia, Florence and Doris, with whom he was extremely close. Many family gatherings have been spent hearing stories of Haskell and South America.

Joe lived a long, exciting and fulfilling life and was a great role model to not only his children but also his extended family and loved ones.

Graveside services will be held January 12, 2024 at 10:00am at South Park Cemetery, Pearland, TX

Memorial gifts can be given to the Texas A&M Association of Former Students at http://www.aggienetwork.com