Joseph Hamer

Joesph Reese Hamer, 88, of Danville, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2008, at 12:00 a.m. at the home of his daughter and son-in-law. He was born on March 19, 1920 in Danville, the son of Herbert F. Hamer and Marie K. (Reese) Hamer. He married Mary B. (Briski) Hamer on June 20, 1939, in Covington, IN. She preceded him in death on November 10, 1998. Joseph is survived by one daughter, Judy Ann (Robert) Smitley, Sr. of Danville; one sister, Rosalee Jane Hart of California; three grandchildren, Robert Eugene (Kimberlea) Smitley, Jr., San Antonio, TX and William (Bill) Joseph Smitley of Danville, Kevin (Mary) Ostendorf of Joliet, IL; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Josephs parents, two sons, Joseph Reese Hamer II and Frank Herbert Hamer, two brothers, Herbert Hamer and Robert Hamer; one sister, Margie Hunt; one granddaughter, Cheryl L. Nimrick, one great- grandson, Robert Smitley III, preceded him in death. Joseph was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served in World War II from June 17, 1944 until February 26, 1948. He retired General Motors with over 25 years of service. . He was a member of the Vermilion Heights Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 210 and the Croation Lodge in Westville. A celebration of Josephs life will be held at 2 p.m CST, Friday, April 25, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville. Pastor Ray Robert will officiate the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Entombment will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Memorial contributions may be made in Josephs name to Carle Hospice.