Emory Lee Russell Hamm

Emory Lee Russell Hamm 86 of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on February 3, 2021 at his home.

Graveside services will be held at 2pm on 2/8/2021 at the Oak Hill Cemetery of Lawrence, Kansas. Officiating, Pastor Delmar White of Mount Zion Church of Topeka KS. With social distancing in place, and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to stand near the graveside or listen to the service from their vehicles on the radio station 89.7 FM provided by Warren-McElwain Mortuary of Lawrence, Kansas.

Emory L. R. Hamm was born in Wright City, MO to Hadley and Lillian Hamm on December 12, 1934. He attended Lawrence Public Schools. He was married to Ginger Hamm. He held the longest employment in Lawrence School district working for 40 years; he worked as the Head Custodian at South Junior High School for many of those years before retiring. Emory is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons Russell D. Hamm and Randall L. Hamm. 4 brothers Kenneth, Grathuew, James and Carlton Hamm.

Emory was a boxer in his younger years and as an adult he loved riding his motorcycle and traveling with his wife. He was not a man of many words but managed to warm the hearts of many. Emory will be remembered by his lingering scent of Chaps cologne, his humor and laughter that always came with tears running down his face, his determination to “fix it” and surely almost always with “duct tape”. Most of all he will be remembered by his gentle, kind, and loving soul and the deep love that he had for his family.

Emory is survived by his wife Ginger, daughter Marcia Hamm of Kansas City MO, Sister Alberta White of Tuscson AZ, Grandchildren Natasha Robinson of Kansas City MO, Fatima Balinton Sacramento California, and Sherae Austin of Omaha Nebraska. 4 Great Grandchildren Ty Robinson, Liam Robinson, Autumn Robinson, Karson Clincy and host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends and those close to his heart that have not been forgotten.

Memorial contributions may be made in Emory’s name to Uriel E. Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest. and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

28 Condolences

  1. Judy Grant on February 5, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    I am sorry to read of Emory’s death. I know Ginger and Emory shared a happy marriage. My sympathy to Ginger and the whole family.



  2. Carol Kappelman on February 6, 2021 at 7:57 am

    I am sorry to learn that Mr. Hamm passed away. I met him at Centennial grade school where he worked. I remember him well. He was always happy, always smiling and always a familiar face. To Ginger, Mrs Hamm, who too ..was always happy and always smiling my deepest sympathy and love. May you find light and comfort in the memories of your life together with Emory.. God bless you and God bless Emory may he rest in peace.



  3. Lynn Harrod on February 6, 2021 at 8:03 am

    Ginger, I’m so saddened to hear of Emory’s passing. He had such an impact on so many lives, and I was lucky enough to be one of them. His positive demeanor and true respect for all will never be forgotten – if more of our society now could emulate him, we would be far better off. Ginger, the influence the TWO of you had on me helped shape me to be the person I am today. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Respectfully, lynn.



  4. Larry Northrop on February 6, 2021 at 9:03 am

    As a youth, Mr. Hamm was the most respected man at South Junior High school. The teachers and administrators expected to have respect. Mr. Hamm was in a position that many would think lacks respect, but he earned it and over the 3 years we all believed that he probably earned respect all his life. He went about his business everyday navigating the most confusing building ever built, moving us from behind bookshelves/out of bathrooms and did it in his own grace and consistency. It’s amazing reading his story in the newspaper because people like him exist in our lives everyday and although we don’t know much about them we do appreciate them. He touched a lot of lives through his work. 35 years later, I can remember the hallways I saw him in and still strive to have his strong character in my own life.



  5. Cammie Garrison on February 6, 2021 at 9:13 am

    RIP Mr. Hamm



  6. Daren Pippert on February 6, 2021 at 11:59 am

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Hamm’s passing. My heart goes out to his wife and family. He was always gentle and kind to everyone.



  7. Debbie Mills Shafer on February 6, 2021 at 1:01 pm

    Alberta
    So sorry to hear about your brother. I know he will be greatly missed. He’s one of gods angels now.
    Your friend Debbie Mills Shafer



  8. Lori Farmer on February 6, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    Ginger I’m so sorry to hear of Emory’s passing. I know he was loved by many.
    I’ll keep you in my prayers.
    Hugs.
    Lori Farmer



  9. Nina Beeler Fowler on February 6, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.



  10. Pat Kelly on February 7, 2021 at 8:11 am

    Condolences Mrs. Hamm. I worked for Emory periodically while attending high school and college and he was the one of the coolest, genuine, and kindest supervisors. He never got mad and was always patient with those of us who had the pleasure to work for him. I also had the privilege of having you as my kindergarten teacher. When he spoke of you his eyes would light up and he would have a big smile. Your marriage is a true love story! Emory will forever live on in those of us he so positively impacted.



  11. Terry Tuckwin on February 7, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Ginger, I’m so sorry to hear the news. I’m thinking of you so much today and praying for you and the family. I know well how you felt about Emory. What a wonderful marriage for both of you. I can see you on that motorcycle! If we ever get vaccines maybe we can get together. Until then I’ll hold you in my heart.



  12. Stan Trekell on February 7, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    I lived immediately next-door to Emory and Ginger for five years. There are many remembrances that I could share but I think the most important one is the love and devotion that they had for one another. I have always held their marriage up as an example to others of the type of marriage I would want for myself. I have a great deal of respect for these two incredible human beings. Godspeed Emory Hamm!



  13. John Spurgeon on February 7, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    Ginger,
    Saddened to hear of Emory’s death. I always enjoyed your stories about things going on with you and Emory while we were volunteering in Oncology. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.



  14. Anita Meyer on February 7, 2021 at 8:22 pm

    Ginger, we are so sorry to hear of Emory’s passing. I know you two shared wonderful times together. Our prayers for you and your family.
    Anita,Richard Meyer
    Matthew and Brian



  15. Shirley Anderson on February 7, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Ginger, I was saddened to read of your husband’s death. Your wonderful memories of Emory and your many friends will help you through the difficult times and keep you close in their prayers. Hugs and prayers to my friend.



  16. Jeannette Hopkins Steele on February 8, 2021 at 8:46 am

    I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Terry T. called and told me. Please accept my condolences and may my prayers help comfort you. Like Terry said, hope we can all get together when it is safe. With hugs and prayers…..



  17. Mike & Debby Eltschinger on February 8, 2021 at 12:41 pm

    Dear Ginger,
    It was with sadness that we heard about Emory’s passing. He was always such a kind, warmhearted person -with a constant smile. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.



  18. Claudette Ross on February 8, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    My condolences to the family. May God comfort you through your sorrow. Rest in heaven, Emory, your work is done. God Bless



  19. Steve Ortiz & Family on February 9, 2021 at 9:35 am

    Mrs. Hamm –
    Sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories visiting with you and Emory. Thanks for being such great neighbors and opening up your home to so many. God Bless Emory on his journey and God Bless you during this difficult time.



  20. Carol Hampton on February 9, 2021 at 10:10 am

    Emory was our head custodian when I first came to South in 1988, and he was so welcoming with his kind, gentle, and loving nature. He took such pride in keeping a very challenging building in good shape, which just reflected his integrity. His quiet nature inspired one to make a joke just to hear him laugh. What a dear human being we have all lost. My heartfelt sympathies to you, Ginger, and to all of your family and friends.



  21. Randy Weseman on February 11, 2021 at 10:54 am

    Ginger…
    As you know, my fondness for Emory has no limits. Our years working together at South were the best of my life. His dedication to our mission and the pride he showed in everything he did made South a special and wonderful place to work.
    I loved his smile and his manner. He was simply a profound additon to my life and I am proud to have known him as a coworker and personal friend.
    My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love……Randy



  22. Mary Boldus Pendry on February 12, 2021 at 8:42 am

    I’m sending prayers to you, Ginger, and your family. I have such fond memories of you and am saddened to read of your loss. God bless you, Mary



  23. Pat Johnson on February 12, 2021 at 10:27 am

    Ginger, i’m so sorry to hear about Emory. I know how much you enjoyed your time together. Those memories will be with you forever! God Bless, my friend



  24. Pat Johnson on February 12, 2021 at 10:29 am

    Ginger, i’m so sorry to hear about Emory. I know how much you enjoyed your time together. Those memories will be with you forever! God Bless, my friend!!



  25. Sherrill Catt on February 12, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    Sherry Catt:
    Ginger, I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you. I remember how much you enjoyed your time together and many rides you shared Please know you are in my thoughts.



  26. Laura Rogers on February 12, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    Mrs. Hamm,

    I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Hamm’s passing. I have many fond memories of the both of you. You as my Kindergarten teacher an he as my favorite custodian. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs to you,

    Laura Mullin -Rogers



  27. Barb Goff on February 15, 2021 at 9:21 am

    Ginger-
    I am so sorry for your loss. I know you had a great life with Emory! Our prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.
    Barb, George, Jennifer
    Jaimie & Dagan Walters



  28. Barbara Hays Jefferson on February 16, 2021 at 10:09 am

    Mrs. Hamm, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family! I consider to be bless to have had him as my boss, he was caring and kind. I also consider bless to have had you as my oldest son teacher! You both impacted our lives in positive ways! May the Lord comfort you and the family till you are able to be reunited with him in our Lord’s loving presence!



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