Donald Atwood Hamm Sr.

Donald Atwood Hamm, Sr., 79, of Georgetown, formerly of Bourbon County, husband of Mary Elizabeth Kearns Hamm passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Georgetown Community Hospital. A native of Jessamine County, he was the son of the late Clarence Shirley and Rella Bogie Hamm. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Georgetown and Westside Christian Church, Okeechobee, Florida. Don was the former Director of Kentucky Division of Forestry through two administrations and formerly acting commissioner of Natural Resources. Don was proud of his military service in the U.S. Air Force of which two years were on flying status during the Korean War. Don had a love and passion for the outdoors. His hobbies and activities included hunting, fishing, boat racing, trap shooting and golf. He was also a pilot for many years, piloting his own plane for family vacations. He owned the former Don's Sport Center in Cadiz, Kentucky. He was a member of many organizations including Aircraft Owner and Pilot's Association, Kentucky Forest Industries, Bass Anglers Sportsmen's Society, American Trap Shooting Association and the Anderson County Sportsmen's Club. Survivors besides his wife of 56 years, include two children, Shirley Neal Hamm Snodgrass, Georgetown and Donald (Lori) A. Hamm, Jr., Frankfort; two granddaughters, Mackenzie Hamm and Samantha Rowe; one sister, Sue Hamm Wilson; nieces and nephews, Betty Wilson (Rick) Covington, Sharon Kearns (Gary) Becker, Alan M. (Becky) Wilson, James S. Wilson, Jeffrey (Barbara) Kearns, Patrick Kearns and Daniel Kearns; and his God daughter, Alexis Fisher. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday at Faith Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until time of services. Burial will be in the Paris Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Steve Davis, Bruce Fisher, Jeffrey Kearns, Shirley Kearns, Jr., Tommy Lynch, Kent Snodgrass, Alan and James Wilson. Honorary bearers will be Burt Kyler, Taylor Mathers, Mark Matuszewski, Dave Sorenson, Frank Whitney, Trigg Dotson, R.T. Sheeler, Aulderson Clark, Bob Woodard, Dr. Murray West and Pat Ameche. Visitation will be 5-8:00 PM Friday at Faith Baptist Church. Johnsons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be made to one's church or charity of their choice.