Harold Hamm loved three things equally: his family, his friends, and flying. But his love for Zola, his wife, companion, and playmate, was his greatest and deepest joy for the past 20 years. Those who saw them together were blessed to witness a special love affair between two people who truly treasured each other and every moment spent together.Harold was born Dec. 10, 1925, in Stamps, Ark., the oldest of three children born to Jesse and Gladys (Smith) Hamm. With the country in the middle of World War II, Harold joined the United States Navy and was recruited into the Officer's V-12 program at the University of Colorado. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1947.After graduation, he was employed with Mountain Bell and remained with the company in various positions for almost 36 years. Upon retirement, he pursued his passion with aviation, first by returning to school to earn an airframe and powerplant mechanic's license. He was a member of the Helena Regional Airport Authority from 1972-1985 and was chairman when the new terminal was built on the north side. He joined the International Northwest Aviation Council in 1972, served on their board of directors and was president 1984-85. He was a member of the Montana Antique Airplane Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Montana Pilots Association and Quiet Birdmen. He was a member of the Algeria Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Masonic Lodge.On Oct. 25, 1947, he married his first love, Jane Ann Otto of Denver, Colo. She preceded him in death on April 2, 1981. They had two children.On March 2, 1987, with family and friends celebrating with them, Harold married Zola Mae Smith of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and embarked on an adventure that took them from Alaska and Australia to Europe and Russia, and around the country where they shared good times, love and laughter with friends and family. Together they completed two airplane projects: the restoration of a J-3 Piper Cub, and just this summer they finished building an experimental RV-6 aircraft.Harold is survived by his wife, Zola; his son and daughter-in-law Robert and Lori Hamm; his daughter, Sue Navin, all of Helena; grandchildren Kevin Hamm of Houston, Bridget Hamm of Red Bluff, Calif., Tricia and Ryan Caldwell of Joplin, Mo., Kellie and Robert Ackerman of Scottsbluff, Neb., and Jennifer and James Baker of Oceanside, Calif.; great-grandchildren Kirsten Opp, Skylar and Lane Baker; sisters Betty Sue Greig of Manhattan, Kan., and Clara (John) Mitchell of Little Rock, Ark.; sister-in-law Naomi Cedarblade, and her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Linda Cedarblade of Show Low, Ariz., sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and Earl Lawrence of Castle Rock, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.On Sept. 1, 2006, Harold Hamm, with his wife and son at his side, "slipped the surly bonds of earth, reached out his hand and touched the face of God." Church services are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. from Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church. Masonic graveside services will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Family prefers memorials to: Hospice of St. Peter's, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601 or Montana Antique Airplane Association, c/o Cindy Kleimer, 709 South Wilson Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.
This obituary was originally published in the Helena Independent Record.
