Thomas M Hammond Jr

Thomas "Tom" Morgan Hammond Jr. passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at his home in Titusville, Florida. He was born on May 23, 1932, in Kerrville, Texas to Thomas and Elen (Thalmann) Hammond. Though he lived in Titusville for over 60 years, he remained a proud Texan with much love for the Texas Hill Country.

He attended high school and junior college at Schreiner Institute in Kerrville. He completed a degree in industrial engineering at the University of Texas and received his Air Force commission in 1955. After service in the Air Force, he was hired by NASA in 1964 and worked at KSC for 35 years in different capacities, including the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, technology utilization, and future launch systems.

Besides his love for space exploration and aviation, he was a train and model railroading enthusiast. His large model train layout built in his home was featured in newspaper and magazine articles with people coming from all over the country to see it. Tom was an avid reader, especially of WWII history. He had a vivid memory of D-Day announcements during his childhood, as well as meticulously tracking aircraft training exercises flying over his elementary school. Tom loved traveling. He visited all 50 states and many countries throughout his life.

Tom often quietly took on leadership roles in the many organizations to which he belonged, including the First United Methodist Church of Titusville, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the National Model Railroading Association, a 65-year Mason, and a life-long Texas Alumni member, to name a few. He was a NASA tour volunteer as well as a tutor for school children in the church's outreach tutoring program.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Gaylia; his two children, Tommy (Elizabeth) and Sabrina (Robert); and his three grandchildren, Thomas, Roxy and Sammy. He will be remembered by his family for his unconditional love and support and his true example of integrity and humbleness.

Services will be held at 12 pm, Wednesday, September 24 at the First United Methodist Church of Titusville with a Reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Titusville or St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care.

The family would like to thank the Titusville Comfort Keepers and St. Francis caregivers for their wonderful care and compassion shown to Tom during his extended illness.