Robert Hammel

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