Major William D. Hamm, Ret.

     William D. Hamm, 88, of Chillicothe, passed at 1:33 p.m. Monday, September 2, 2024 at his residence peacefully.

     He was born September 8, 1935 in Chillicothe to the late Fred and Marguerite Kern Hamm.  On April 8, 1958 he married Barbara M. Dearth who preceded him January 4, 2007.

     Surviving are children, John A. (Becky Eblin) Hamm, Cathy Hathaway, William Scott Hamm and Eric Hamm, all of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Nathan Hamm, Jonathan Hamm, Lindsay Hamm, Marisa (Ethan Bevard) Hathaway, David Hathaway, Annie (Eric Lloyd) Hamm, Laura (Daniel Kassulke) Hamm-Green and Jessica E. Hamm; great grandchildren, Gavin Karshner, Makenzie Karshner, Chloe Hamm, Landon Hamm, Aiden Bevard,  Finnley Bevard, Brayden Scott Edwards, Austin Haller and Hunter Green; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Ernest Hamm, Florence Tweed, Albert Hamm, Adah Brown and John Hamm; mother-in-law, Dorothy Dearth; and a son-in-law, Ed Hathaway.     

     William was a 1953 graduate of Chillicothe High School.  He worked for Mead Research for a short time before enlisting in the United States Air Force.  Captain William D. Hamm distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-100 pilot in Southeast Asia on 27 October 1966.  On that date, Captain Hamm was number three in a flight of three diverted to provide cover for an air evacuation near Saigon, Republic of Vietnam.  Contending with extremely hazardous weather conditions, Captain Hamm effectively suppressed the intense hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire in the area with pinpoint low level bomb deliveries.  Although warned of the extreme hazards involved, Captain Hamm continued his attack with strafing passes to cover the evacuation of wounded and allow the friendly forces to break contact.  Displaying outstanding aerial skill and a high degree of heroism he helped save a besieged Vietnamese company and four American Advisors from probable annihilation.  By his gallantry and devotions to duty, Captain Hamm reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.  In April 1975 during the fall of Saigon, Major Hamm flew a mission under the direct orders of the President of the United States to airlift Americans out of Vietnam.  Major Hamm had received many medals for his heroic service including the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross and was also inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center.  He was a life member of VFW Post 108, American Legion 62 and AMVETS Post 4.  Bill was the former owner of Sugarloaf Power Equipment and had served as the Ross County Welfare Director.  After retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling and loved to hunt and fish.  He was dedicated to his family and country. 

     The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to all of his caregivers, Annie, Becky, Daniel, Laura, Lindsay, Makenzie, Mandy, Marisa, Sarah and Tammy, for the wonderful care given to Bill.

     A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Carol Carper officiating.  Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery where Military Graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  The family will greet friends at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 12 noon to 2 p.m. prior to the memorial service on Thursday. 

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com      

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