HAMMETT, Raymond Melvin (Duke)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, September 03, 2014 Raymond Melvin "Duke" Hammett 19 June 1921 - 18 June 2014 Longtime Prescott, Ariz., resident Raymond "Duke" Hammett, honored father, grandfather and friend to so many, passed peacefully in his own bed on June 18, 2014, just a few hours shy of his 93rd birthday. He was surrounded by love from all. His youngest son, Douglas, was by his side, while his eldest son, Lee and wife Debbie, as well as grandson Tyler were all electronically connected with him in the room. Duke leaves behind his three sons, Lee (Debbie) of Blackfoot, Idaho, Jeffrey (Sandra) of Muntinlupa City, Philippines, and Douglas of Albuquerque, N.M.; and his two grandchildren, Tyler Hammett (Lisa) of McKinney, Texas, and Kelly Hammett (Mark Julian) of Germantown, Md. He joins his beloved wife, Dorothea Paulman Hammett, whom he missed every single day since her passing in 1998. Praise God - they are holding hands once again! He was also preceded in death by his loving son-in-law, Gary Hammett-Lair, who passed away December 2013. Duke's charisma, charm, talent and goodness of heart characterized his time on this earth. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to so many. His love of God and his daily devotion to his Lord Jesus Christ guided his life and influenced so many with whom he interacted. He readily gave of himself to help lead the churches to which he belonged over the years. And he will always be remembered for his gift of song that he willingly shared with audiences and church congregations through the years. His musical talent resonated significantly with those privileged to hear him sing. In his 93 years on this earth, he was a gifted athlete and coach, a talented singer and actor, a dedicated Army Air Corp pilot instructor during WWII, an accomplished businessman, a compassionate community leader, and a loving human being. Truly, he did it all, and would often say, "What a wonderful and blessed life the Lord has given me!" Truth is, those of us fortunate to know, love and be loved by Duke Hammett were the ones so blessed! There will be a celebratory service 1 p.m. Sept. 9, 2014, at the Prescott Community Church, 3151 Willow Creek Road, Prescott. The service will be followed by the interment of Duke's ashes at 2:30 p.m. at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 630 Park Ave., Prescott. To Duke's delight, his ashes will join those of his loving wife Dodo. There was a celebration of life service in Blackfoot, Idaho, at the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church on July 26, 2014. In lieu of floral or other remembrances, please make a donation to Prescott Community Church, 3151 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301(www.pccaz.org). Information provided by survivors.