Richard Hammersley

Richard Wayne Hammersley, 61 passed away at the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City on April 20, 2009. He was born February 10, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Winifred and Edgar Hammersley. Rick is survived by his beloved wife Valda, son Christopher Hammersley, daughter Cynthia Rowe and her husband Trace, grandsons Nicolas Rowe and Jude Rowe; his four brothers: Don Hammersley and wife Pam, Scott Hammersley and wife Brenda, Ron Hammersley, Keith Hammersley and wife Julie; his step-mother Alpha Hammersley Kickliter, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his parents. Rick grew up in Beech Grove, Indiana, graduated from Franklin Central High School and attended classes at Purdue University. He was a construction contractor for over 25 years in Johnson County, but was passionate about traveling around the country. In 2008, Rick walked 3200 miles across America to raise money for cancer research. He was showcased on the PBS program "Across Indiana," featured in the Indianapolis Star and the Daily Journal, was the subject of a documentary and he was interviewed repeatedly on his journey by WTHR-13, FOX 59 and 93.1 WIBC. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday May 2 at the Greenwood United Methodist Church located at 525 N Madison Ave, Greenwood, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Richard Hammersley to the VA Medical Center, 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or Gateway for Cancer Research, 1336 Basswood Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. On-line condolences may be sent to the Hammersley family at: http://tinyurl.com/rick-hammersley-memorial. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Hammersley please visit our Sympathy Store.