Donald E. Hamm

Don E. Hamm, 79, a retired banker and businessman of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Hamm was born Nov. 25, 1930 in Poplar Bluff. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff, and had retired in 1988 as President of Commerce Bank after a career of 38 years. Mr. Hamm continued to serve on the Commerce Bank Board of Directors for another 12 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, Doctors Regional Medical Center as well as the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority. Mr. Hamm was a lifetime member of the Poplar Bluff Lions Club, and a former volunteer for the Butler County Civil Defense. In 1962 he was presented the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Outstanding Young Man Award by then Missouri Attorney General, Thomas F. Eagleton. Mr. Hamm was also a veteran of the U. S. Navy. He enjoyed spending time with his family, spending winters in Florida, golfing, camping and stock car racing. On Nov. 25, 1950 he married Irene R. Gaebler in Poplar Bluff. She survives. Other survivors include his children: Brenda Moore and husband Jiggs of Sikeston and Steve Hamm and wife Becky of Springfield; four grandchildren: Benjamin Moore and wife Katie of Memphis, Jacob Moore and wife Shannon of Sikeston, Matthew Hamm and wife Becca of Bolivar and Joseph Hamm of Springfield; four great grandchildren: Bella Milton and Fallon Moore of Memphis and Jason Vandiver and Liam Moore of Sikeston; two sisters, Cleta Laughlin of Williamsville and Rosemary Smith and husband Gerald of Poplar Bluff; and a brother, Arnold Hamm and wife Cecilia of San Diego. His parents, Samuel G. and Myrtle (Haley) Hamm and a son, Michael Edward Hamm preceded Mr. Hamm in death. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Marty Reed officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 450 North Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, or UCAN (United Cancer Assistance Network, 1419 Maud St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.