Murl E. Hammond

Murl E. Hammond Battle Creek Murl E. Hammond, 86, of Battle Creek, died June 4, 2009 at the Battle Creek Health System. Murl was born March 27, 1923 in Vermontville, MI to Harry and Beulah Hammond. He graduated from Vermontville High School and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University and a Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Murl worked 44 years in management at the Kellogg's Company. During this period he also farmed for 13 years. After his retirement in 1987 he established H/H Effective Management Systems, Inc., of which he was president. Murl served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S. Arcadia during WWII. On September 1, 1945 he marred Mary Obraz in Long Beach, California, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Dr. David (Lorraine) Hammond of Grand Rapids; a daughter, Rosemary (Elwin) Hahn of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Michael (Amy) Hammond, Sarah (Ryan) Edwards, Andrew (Wendy) Hahn, and Dr. Nathan Hahn; one sister, Norma (Lewis) Earl; and two great-granddaughters, Ella and Gwen Hammond. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gordon Hammond. Murl was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post #222, Kellogg's 25 year club, AARP, Battle Creek Management Club, and the Pennfield Presbyterian Church. He was a Sunday School superintendent at the First Congregational Church in Vermontville, MI and at the Baseline Methodist Church in Battle Creek. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, reading, and mostly spending time with his family. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. At the request of the family, they will receive friends Friday, June 12, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Murl's life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Pennfield Presbyterian Church, the American Diabetes Association, or the Asthma Center of Southwest Michigan. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.