Stephen Hamm

Stephen Darnell Hamm, age 69, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Chetopa, Kansas.
Helen Louise (Darnell) Hamm gave birth to Stephen on April 9, 1955, aboard a ship on the Pacific Ocean, the USS Lexington, on the way back to the United States of America from Japan where his father, Melvin Russell Hamm was stationed and due to return home to Columbus, Kansas. Steve attended school in Riverton, Kansas. He excelled in track and football during high school, he broke records in the 55 yd dash. He enjoyed playing football and loved the sport throughout his life.
He married his high school sweetheart, and the couple had a daughter. Around that time Steve decided to follow in his father and maternal grandfather's footsteps and joined the United States Marine Corp. He lost part of his right leg on a mission with sixteen other marines or "brothers in arms" as Steve would have said to rescue Omar Cardophy, they also rescued six P.O.W.'s they discovered that were being held. Steve was stationed in Thailand, serving in the years 1973-1974 as part of the Special Forces -Elite 17 Wolverine Division. Steve had earned the rank of E3 Corporal when he was honorably discharged. Because of his injury, he was paid for 5 years by the government for his service, then, all the records of the Elite 17 conveniently disappeared. Another government cover up. (Ordered to cross the dematerialized zone.)
Returning home, he divorced his wife, later remarried, and had two sons. Again, he divorced and later tried a "3rd times the charm" marriage, which also ended, no children there. Throughout his life after service, and 3 wives, and 3 children, he owned and ran 2 bars, "The Last Chance Saloon" in Joplin, Missouri and the sports bar/pool hall "The Dugout" in Columbus, Kansas. Steve later owned and operated "Steve's Cleaning Service" where he employed 18 people and thrived for many many years. In 2007 he opened a bait shop "Steve's Bait and More" at 303 Maple St. in Chetopa, Kansas where he'd been for 20 years.
In his spare time, he loved to fish, catching 5 flatheads that were over 100lbs from Spring and Neosho Rivers and many other fish. He was involved with the Elks Lodge in Cherokee, Kansas where he was also a member. There he played darts, had a team and managed to go to Chicago, Illinois to play in a major tournament. There are many accomplishments Steve made in his life, I was only present for part of it all, in his later life. I had finally found a person who could outfish me. He was my fishin buddy, friend and lover. This void can never be filled (refilled). He's gone to his heavenly glory, his time on earth was quite an accomplishment. He will be greatly missed by many many people and his 4 legged pets.
Following Steve's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas. To leave a condolence or share a memory with the family online, visit Steve's memorial page at www.dwbfh.com