Chaplain Thomas Hammond

HAMMOND (Sparta) - Chaplain Thomas Hammond, age 61, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 13, 2009. After high school, Tom attended Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music (now Cornerstone College) and then with the help of his wife, June, he received his Seminary degree. His devotion to spreading the word of God started at Oneida Bible Church, then continued at Church of the Open Door, Westside Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Heights-Campus Bible Fellowship at the University of North Iowa, Kent City Baptist Church, and then as Chaplain of the Newaygo County Correction Facility in the Forgotten Man Ministry. He also drove school bus for the Kent Intermediate School District. Tom was passionate about God and his talented gift as an evangelist was always Christ-centered, using humor for everyone including himself. He is survived by his wife, the former June Wickes whom he married on June 13, 1969; children, Christy and Pastor Jason Williams, Cathy Hammond, Craig and Megan Hammond, Chad and Jodi Hammond; grandchildren, Chloe Williams, Charis Williams, Chaeli Williams, Caleb Williams, Kyler Hammond, Madelyn Hammond, Nora Hammond, Maicy Hammond; brother, Pastor Mike and Faye Hammond; nieces and nephews; June's family, Eleanor and Dave Opitz and David and Beth Wickes. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Chaplain Hammond will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church, 6727 Kuttshill Dr., NE, Rockford, MI with Pastor Larry Rowland and Pastor David Hills officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Forgotten Man Ministry designated for the Chaplain Thomas Hammond Memorial Fund. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com