Obituary of Glenn Charles Hammer

Glenn Charles Hammer, 90, of Elsberry, MO died Thursday morning, October 13, 2016. Born February 28, 1926 in Trenton, IL, he was the son of Charles Louis and Myrtle Inez Herrington Hammer. As a child, Glenn attended Lee School in Trenton and played baseball for the McGown Lions. Having a lifelong passion for music, Glenn’s father bought him his first guitar from Harry’s Pawn Shop in East St. Louis, IL when Glenn was 7 years old. He later bought another one. Glenn first heard Jerry Byrd play in 1937, and that gave him the love for the steel guitar. He worked on the family farm until he left home in 1942. Glenn then went to school for welding and worked in Lakeland, FL and Mobile, AL. He worked on the ship “The Warrior” and built and launched the ship “The Merchant.” Glenn served his country in the United States Navy from February 24, 1944 until he was honorably discharged on April 15, 1946. During his service, he was a crew member of the escort carrier, USS Admiralty Islands (CVE99). He was an Apprentice Seaman, Seaman 1st Class, Captain’s Orderly, worked on the Deck Division and in the sail locker. He received the American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with three stars and the Pacific Campaign Bar. Glenn’s ship was a part of the Invasion of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and attacks on Japan. Glenn played baseball in Mobile from 1946-1948. He tried out for short stop and 1st baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals in May 1947. In 1947, Glenn began working for Midland Steel in Cleveland, OH and Fisher Assembly Plant making Buick Auto-frames. Around this time, Glenn started playing the steel guitar. His first steel guitar was a Supro. Glenn served his country again in the United States Air Force from February 26, 1948 until he was honorably discharged on February 25, 1951 as a Staff Sergeant. During his service, Glenn was a Senior Parachute Rigger. He reenlisted on February 26, 1951 and served until he was honorably discharged on September 11, 1953. During this service period, Glenn was a Parachute Inspection Supervisor and a member of the Field Maintenance Squadron. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal and the UN Service Medal. Glenn enrolled in Moler System of Barbering in St. Louis, MO in 1953. After working in barber shops in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas, he opened Glenn’s Barber Shop in the mid-1970s, which he owned and operated for many years. Glenn played music with area bands from the 1950s to the 1990s. In the early 1970s he went on the road playing music. Glenn loved to bird hunt, fish; find treasures with his Garrett metal detector, and enjoyed watching and listening to the St. Louis Cardinals play. He liked Gunsmoke, Mayberry, Matlock, KMOX and 88.1. Glenn met many people in his life time, from the native people in New Guinea to the big league baseball players, to famous musicians and pro wrestlers. Glenn never met a stranger. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Charlie” and Myrtle Hammer; his sister, Virginia “Sis” Roniger and her husband, Gilmer; three brothers: Floyd “Buddy” Hammer, Clarence “Clancy” Hammer and his wife, Florence “Flosey”, and Richard “Rich” Hammer and his wife, Betty; and a nephew, Sergeant Junior Floyd Roniger. Survivors include his children: Belinda (Tom), Charlie (Senorita Alina, Lisa and Jerry; six grandchildren: Luke, Justin, Danielle, Glenn, Darrin and Darla; and six great-grandchildren: Cory, Gage, Max, Cole, Star and Lucas; other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Long Meadow Rescue Ranch or a pet rescue, animal shelter or wildlife organization in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.