GILES “JUNIOR” HAMMONS

Giles “Junior” Hammons, age 94, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away May 19, 2026, at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

Junior was born June 3, 1931, in Plattsburg, Missouri, to Giles Jahue Hammons and Ethel Zeffie (Gannaway) Hammons. On October 3, 1954, he married Laura Faye Esry in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. Together they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2023.

Junior proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked for MODOT for 34 years before retiring in 1989.

Stephen Covey once wrote, “Every man has four great needs in life: to live, to love, to learn, and to leave a legacy.” Junior truly fulfilled each of those needs. He lived with remarkable strength and resilience, defying countless health challenges throughout his life, from his time serving in Korea to his final years. Doctors and nurses often described him as “one tough old bird,” always with a smile and a respectful shake of the head.

To love was second nature to Junior. His devotion to his family, especially to Laura, his wife of more than 68 years, was evident to all who knew them. They were inseparable until the very end.

Junior also never stopped learning, and his legacy is one that will continue for generations. He set an enduring example as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and mentor. Some of his most treasured memories were the countless hours spent teaching young men and women how to hunt and fish. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop, cranking the White Mountain ice cream freezer on Sunday afternoons, and driving the old green pickup with Laura in the Lamar Fair and Stockton Walnut Festival parades. He never missed a ballgame, including away games, and cherished every opportunity to support his family.

Nearly 30 years ago, Junior started the Hammons family fish fry, an annual Memorial Day weekend tradition that continues to bring together 40 to 50 family members and friends. This year’s gathering will serve as a special celebration of a life truly well lived. Those who knew Junior understand how deeply he will be missed.

Survivors include one son, Jamie Hammons of Lamar, Missouri; one daughter, Judy Crockett of Carthage, Missouri; five grandchildren, Sarah Hammons, Allison Hammons, Nicole Hammons, Blake (Lori) Crockett, and Brad (Jeni) Crockett; five great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Brenton, Caleb, Gentry, and Ensley; one sister, Pauline Crane of Stockton, Missouri and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Wallen and Anna Ruth (Ed) Fields.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laura; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois and Jim Brandom, Francis and Oral Yancey, and Dorothy and Ernie Verrue; and one brother-in-law, Pat Crane.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home with burial to follow in Stockton City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested and may be made payable to the Missouri Veteran’s Home Assistance League in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.