Larry Hammett

Larry Hammett passed away on June 13, 2022 at the age of 75, receiving his award from his Lord and Savior.  Larry was born on August 27, 1946 in Stephenville, Texas to William (Bill) and Rita Apple Hammett.

Funeral services for Larry will be 10:00 AM Friday, June 17, 2022 at Stephenville First Baptist Church with Dr. Ken May officiating.  Burial will follow at West End Cemetery.  Visitation with the Hammett family will be 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday at Stephenville Funeral Home.

At the ae of 12 years, Larry joined the First Baptist Church of Stephenville.  During his church life he was a RA teacher, worked on committees and Bible Class director.  He was honored and humbled being ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church.

Larry learned at a young age of 11 that a grubbing hoe and shovel fit his hands.  His dad would put him out at a job to dig the water, sewer, and gas to a new home.  This is where he learned his love of plumbing that kept him busy for over 35 years.  He trained several men that went on to get their plumbing license.  After selling their business in 2001, they traveled.

At 12 years old he started throwing papers for Bud Higgs at the Empire Tribune.  His route was to throw 125 papers.  With this money Larry bought a Cushman scooter.  Later he purchased a Cushman Eagle.  He said his payments were $33.00 a month.  He sold his scooter to purchase his first car a 1950 Ford that cost him $50.00, it was a jewel.

Larry was an avid drag car racer starting in high school.  He set many speed records that helped him win many racings.  Larry and older boys that had the need for speed hung out at Elza Blues’ station on Washington.  On Friday and Saturday nights groups went to Green Valley Raceway in North Richland Hills where Larry would race his green 55 Ford.

Larry enjoyed being a member of the Stephenville Volunteer Fire Department with Jerry Parham and many other good men in Stephenville.  He served as assistant chief and was a true smoke eater.

Larry was a member of the Stephenville Masonic Lodge for close to 50 years.  A good friend Eddie Caudle taught him the works to be able to enter the lodge.

Larry was a little league baseball coach having fun coaching his players.  They had several winning times in his six years of coaching.  Some of old fellas that are around here now were on his teams.  He always said he never knew anything about baseball but had fun trying to have a good time.  While coaching baseball, Larry also was serving on the Stephenville City Council.  The city secretary of Stephenville told him that he would have to choose between the city council meetings or baseball.  He told her that was an easy choice, boys and one girl, on the baseball team, were more important.

He was elected in 1972 to the city council serving sixteen years on the council.  He served as the Mayor of Stephenville with pride for all of his terms.

In the late 80’s, Larry attended Tarleton State University to get licensed as a Peace Officer.  He still loves the law and what it stands for.

Larry and Pat had fun going on the road attending festivals where he cooked turkey legs, sausage, famous Silly Tators, and State Fair corn dogs.  He loved the challenge cooking this food, and competing with the big boys.

He also roasted cinnamon pecan, almonds, and cashews.  He was a master roaster, and loved meeting all the new people.

He finally gave up the traveling on the road, and went to work for Bruner Motors for Dwain and Greg Bruner.  He loved the challenge of selling vehicles and never saw a stranger.  He made many new friends.  He retired in 2015, loving his job.

Besides going to meet his Lord and Savior, his other wish was to see the Stephenville Yellow Jacket Football state championship game at AT&T stadium.  On December 17, 2021, he was at the game in a suite with friends watching the Jackets beat LBJ Austin 38 to 21.  He always said it was not just winning but it made the ‘Ville’ come alive and together.

Larry is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Pat; sister, Rosa Magana of Spring; niece, Christi Griffin and children, Lindsey and Nicholas of Stephenville; nephew, Brent Magana and wife Erin and son Jack of Spring; niece, Laura Spindor of Spring; brother-in-law, Richard Lancaster of Stephenville.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Becky Hill; sister, Lou Lancaster; parents, William Roy and Rita Hammett; sister-in-law, Betty Proctor.

Pallbearers for Larry are, Charlie Livingston, Les Bolling, Justin Landers, Ryan Moilan, Rick Troutman, Kevin Ferguson, and Eugene Martinez.

Honorary Pallbearers and the Deacon Body of First Baptist Church of Stephenville, 76401

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Johnson Cemetery Association, 362 CR 252 Stephenville, Texas  76401

First Baptist Church, Musical Department, 334 W. Green Street, Stephenville, Texas  76401

First Baptist Church, Library donation, 334 W. Green Street, Stephenville, Texas  76401.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.            Psalms 23:6