Elwood Hamick

Elwood Samuel Hamick Passed away on Friday, August 3, 2007 in Hayward, CA., where he had resided since August, 2005. Mr. Hamick was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph LeRoy and Edna Ella (Thomas) Hamick, as well as his son, Sam Joseph Hamick, and his wife, Mildred Jane Haurez Hamick. He is survived by daughters Dianne (Daniel) Farber; Joann (Joe Quintana) Hamick; and Melissa Hamick; dau-in-law Christine Hamick; and grandchildren Laura (Scott) Bass, Paul Hamick; Joseph, Sonia, and Eleanor Farber; and Carolyn Head. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Melvin Hamick of State Line, IN and Lawrence Hamick of Bonne Terre, MO. Mr. Hamick was a lifelong resident of Danville. He was an overseas combat veteran of World War II, serving in the Tank Corps, 113th Cavalry. He served in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He earned 3 overseas service bars, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 bronze battle stars, good conduct medal, and Purple Heart. Mr. Hamick worked nearly 40 years as a railroader, first as a fireman on the New York Central, retiring as an engineer with Conrail. He was known for his skill in handling mile-long grain trains. After retirement, Mr. Hamick served tirelessly as a volunteer at the Danville VA Medical Center, the Red Cross, and the SHARE program. He was an election judge for many years and served as a Vermilion County Board member from South Danville. He was a member of DAV and a life member of the VFW, where he held various positions, including Commander of the Danville VFW Post. Mr. Hamick enjoyed country music and collected recordings, especially old fiddle tunes. He was a longtime fan of the Grand Ole Opry and especially loved Bill Monroe. Elwood Hamick had a great sense of humor and had a great store of funny sayings. He was loyal and steady. He wasnt perfect, but he tried to set a good example. He was loved dearly and will be very much missed by all his family and friends. A celebration of the life of Elwood Hamick will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be held Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10 am at Danville National Cemetery in Danville with military rites performed by Danville VFW Post 724.