Pat Hammontree

Patrick A. Hammontree, 74, died peacefully Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Arbors at Mifflin Nursing Home under the care of SouthernCare Hospice.

He was born March 4, 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Leonard and Ida (Layman) Hammontree. Pat was raised in rural Jefferson County and graduated from DeSoto High School in 1967. That fall, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Vietnam. He also served in the Missouri National Guard. After his return from Vietnam, Pat married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Valle, and began working in the railcar repair industry. Work opportunities allowed the Hammontrees to live in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Georgia, and they moved to Bucyrus in 1993 where Pat was VP of Operations at Transco, from which he retired.

Pat will best be remembered as “The Candy Man.” He had treats with him everywhere he went and everyone he crossed paths with benefited whether he was at a convenience store, restaurant, or anywhere at all. He lived his life in the service of his Lord and Savior, his family, all children, and his community. Pat was a faithful member and lay minister at Lifeway Christian Fellowship, he volunteered with TRIAD at the courthouse, delivered Meals on Wheels for nearly 15 years, and was a life member of VFW Post 377 in Festus, Missouri. Memorable road trips and family vacations were shared throughout the United States and he was honored to serve on a mission trip to Kosovo.

Pat is survived by his bride of 52 years 138 days, Virginia Hammontree; their daughters, Angela (Jon) Obrecht and Tricia (Jason) Calder; granddaughter, Elizabeth Obrecht; siblings, Lawrence “Butch” (Doris) Hammontree, Michael (Joan) Hammontree, and Barbara (Larry) Cavender; sister-in-law, Marie Kutz; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by in-laws, Delmar and Stella Valle and brother-in-law, Garrie Kutz.

All services will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 15 from 4-7 pm. His funeral will be held on Friday at 11:00 am with Pastor Ben Roby officiating. Pat will be laid to rest privately in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Bucyrus Backpack Program or Crawford County Council on Aging (for Meals on Wheels) and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.