Alan Fay Hammer Sr

Alan Fay Hammer, Sr., age 74, of Savanna, IL, passed away on November 4, 2024. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 15 at 1 p.m., at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Thomson, IL. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Alan or “Shorty” as many called him, was born November 17, 1949, in Hazel Green WI, the son of Glenn and Goldie (Dalton) Hammer. He attended elementary school in Thomson, before graduating top of his class from Fulton High School, with the class of 1968.

About a year after graduation, Alan enlisted in the United States Army and was soon deployed to Vietnam. He began his tour serving in a surveying unit but was soon transferred to the dreaded Rat Patrol, or “Tunnel Rats.” These brave men were tasked with clearing enemy burrows and tunnels, a job that held an incredibly high casualty rate. Alan was one of the lucky ones, surviving these exploits and was finally assigned to a patrol unit where he served as a Jeep gunner for the remainder of his tour.

Alan served his country dutifully, but rarely spoke of his time in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he entered into the construction business, becoming a union carpenter for about 15 years. He then held various construction jobs for the rest of his working life.

In 1988, Alan married Phyllis Howes, in Florida, and they would remain at each-other’s side until Phyllis’ passing in September. They were opposites in many ways, but they always found a way to lean on one-another’s strengths.

Alan was an avid gardener and worked with the McGinnis family from the age of 13 on. He enjoyed playing pool, oftentimes with his beloved Phyllis, and was always in the mood for a John Wayne Western. But most of all, Alan will be remembered as a man who loved to help others. He was the type that would gladly give his last dollar to someone in need, regularly saying, “what do I need money for!” He could make friends with just about anyone and loved his family deeply.

Alan will be dearly missed by his children, Glenn (Jennifer) Hammer, of Clinton, Iowa, Amanda (Curt) Pendelton, of Camanche, IA, and Alan (Keira) Hammer, Jr., of Thomson; 14 grandchildren, Broque, Riley, Tristen, Anna, Braelyn, Zayden, Maya, Tanner, Alyza, Alan III, Jaxen, Calvin, Armani, and Maverick; a brother, Duane (Karen) Hammer, of Milledgeville, IL; and two sisters, Glenda Moore, of DeWitt, IA and Pamela (Gene) Dzwierzynski, of Coleta, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Alan is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Goldie; wife, Phyllis; daughter, Shannon Hammer; grandson, Landon Rodgers; sister, Sharon; and brothers, Larry and Terry.