Jerald Dean Hamaker
Last Rites Held for Jerald Dean Hamaker
A number from the Harrison area attended the funeral of Jerald Dean Hamaker held at the United Methodist Church in Crawford on October 28. Interment was in the Crawford Cemetery. The Rev. Billy Richardson officiated.
Among those who attended were John K. Eberspecher, Mrs. Herb Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sharp and family, Ivol Buckley, Bill Buckley, Richard Carnahan, Jack Geiser, Robert Geiser, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Nation and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Grote.
Mr. Hamaker was born to Paul and Mabel McHenry Hamaker, March 8, 1927, at Hot Springs, S. D., and died October 24 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Alliance.
He attended grade school at Belmont, Neb., and was graduated from high school in 1944 at Crawford. He married Elizabeth Sublett, June 8, 1946, in Port Orchard, Wash. Two daughters and three sons were born: Mrs. Edward (Peggy) Eberspecher of Chadron, Paul G. (Bud) Hamaker of Ft. Benning, Ga., Kathy, J. D., and Andrew of the family home.
He spent his entire life farming and ranching in partnership with his father south of Crawford except for two years he served in the U.S. Navy during 1945 and 1946.
He was active in the civic affairs of his community. He was an ardent supporter of and participant in the sport of rodeo, serving one term as president of the rodeo association, many years on the rodeo board, and many times was champion in the saddle bronc riding event. He was an active supporter of the 4-H program contributing generously of his time and talents.
Survivors include his wife Liz; the three sons and two daughters; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hamaker; five sisters, Mrs. Joe (Frances) Kammerer, Mrs. Weldon (Aline) Dyer, both of Crawford, Mrs. William (Betty )Ruffing of Mitchell, Mrs. Russell (Edna) Soester of Canon City, Colo., and Mrs. Palmer (Pauline) Fjelstad of Pierre, S. D.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Erwin, in World War II.