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Robert Hammel Obituary

Robert L. Hammel, 80, of Las Cruces passed away on May 16, 2013. He was born to Bernice and Elden Hammel in Waverly, Iowa. He is greatly missed by his wife Caryl; sister Alice Plunkett of Keller, Texas; son John Hammel of Vista, Calif.; daughters Susan Hurley of Santa Rosa, Calif. and Katherine Hammel of Concord, Calif.; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and one goddaughter, as well as his many dear friends. Bob graduated from Iowa State College in 1954, and married Jane Darmer, now deceased. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Europe 1954-1958. He returned from the Armed Forces to work for the Atomic Energy Commission, which led to his 32-year career as a scientist and aerospace engineering specialist at TRW Space Technology Laboratories where he was program manager and director for some of our nation's most important satellite and rocket systems. His many passions included classic cars, hot air ballooning and a dear friend's Titanic adventures. He was an active member of the British Motor Car Club of Southern New Mexico, serving on the board and chairing several annual British Car Days events. Bob earned a balloon pilot's license and remained active for several flying seasons, having the distinction of being one of the first balloonists ever to fly within the White Sands National Monument. After retiring, Bob's heart-filled, insightful, and often hilarious poetry was printed in a series of 27 books he called "Shoestrings" by C'moi. Bob's family and friends wish to express their gratitude for Bob's unconditional love, wisdom, generosity, sense of humor, dialogue, debate and love of life. A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 2 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Saint Clair Winery and Bistro in Las Cruces. Bob served 10 years as president of the Safe Haven No Kill Animal Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, 840-D El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, NM 88001. www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.net. "Like Kokopelli….I shall wonder-on til we meet again." C'moi
"…and may we all have soft landings." Caryl

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on May 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hammel

17 Entries

Shirley Macey

June 7, 2013

You were such a wonderful soul and always remembered my Birthday, you will be missed by many

Cerina reading her GrtGrdpa inspired poem

June 7, 2013

an arm full of love July 2012

June 7, 2013

Teo & Jane w/ Greatgrandpa

June 7, 2013

Mike & Pat Alexander

June 2, 2013

Soar high in smooth air, Bob. It was good to work with you.

Al Lorenz

June 1, 2013

It was always exciting when we got to visit with our Uncle Bob. His stories were fascinating to me as I grew up. Even as I became an adult, that never changed. His enthusiasm for people and knowledge was contagious. I was fortunate to know Bob and he will be missed.

Karen Gould

May 28, 2013

My condolence to Caryl, Bob's children and grandchildren. Although we have never met (except for Caryl), through Bob I feel like I know you. The beautiful thing about Bob was he was many things to different people. He seemed to know what you needed and could say and do the thing you needed most. He was a great friend, adviser, mentor, pilot and poet. I could not have set me record if he wasn't there and persisted with the NAA. He was a catalyst for so many friendships and adventures. I will miss our political and sometimes crazy irrelevant conversations, and the nice surprise cards from Jackie Lawsons site. They always came when I needed them. Than you for letting me be a part of your life and I will always treasure you and the moments we shared.

Al De Bella

May 27, 2013

Bob was an incredible man, he was kind, giving and honest as they come. He helped so many of us with his advice, support and the values he lived. Was wonderful that he sharing his life in New Mexico with Caryl for retirement, a perfect life. So happy they had each other. Blessing, prayers and love are with all of is family and those that loved him so.

May 27, 2013

Grandpa Hammel. I loved you. I got closer to you as the years went on. We would talk on the phone and I would call you on your birthday. I'm sure going to miss talking to you on the phone Grandpa. Love your oldest of two Grandson's and your fifth grandchild Jon-Michael Hammel De Bella the son of your second child and second daughter Kathrine Ann Hammel.

john Hammel

May 27, 2013

Think of you every day. Many memories. Over the years I have grown to understand and love you more. You were truly one of a kind.

Pat and Carol Snyder

May 27, 2013

Caryl and all Bob's family,

We send our sincere sympathy. We always enjoyed our time with you when you visited Sumner, and am proud to have received his books. He left a special legacy for his family.

Roger & Sarah Bansemer

May 27, 2013

Bob will always be one of our favorite friends. We loved spending time with him and I (Roger) loved sharing stories about ballooning and my Titanic adventures. Bob was a true lover of things beautiful evidenced in the art he collected and the way he lived his life. What a great example he set for all of us. We miss you Bob.

Alice

May 27, 2013

I love you dear brother and will miss you forever. Your unique gifts and loyalty to all are unequalled. You are the Oak tree.

Barbara Hutchison

May 27, 2013

My condolences to you, Caryl, and your family in the loss of your husband; he gave you many wonderful long-lasting memories.

May 26, 2013

Upon first moving to Las Cruces in 2005, we have enjoyed a friendship with Bob and Caryl Hammel who have exposed us to the unique culture in this beautiful part of the country. We especially appreciated our mutual love of classic cars and will always have warm memories of trips to Hatch, El Paso, Silver City, and the energetic British car rallies. "Bob, you will always be in our thoughts when we see the hot air balloons above the Mesilla Valley and dine at St. Claire's winery; we miss you." Judy and Saf Canja

May 26, 2013

Although I never met him personally, over the years via phone and the Internet we became good friends, sharing the same values and interests. I shall miss our repartee.
Love and God bless -
Frank E. Bupp

Anneke Nyenhuis

May 26, 2013

Bob accepted me unconditionally as part of the hot air balloon family in 1990, and through him my world expanded with a large and wide ranging group of friends. I will forever miss our conversations. You instilled in me a sense of adventure and for that you will forever remain in my heart. I will cherish having been a small part of your life and will forever be proud to be a part of "Hammel's Harem". Soft and gentle landings, my friend. My heartfelt condolences to Caryl, his sister, children, grand and great grandchildren, goddaughter, and Bob's many friends. He will be missed.

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