Larry W. Hammons

Players Larry W. Hammons, age 74, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at his home in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.  Larry was born May 10, 1940 in Ottawa Lake to Cleo and Hazel (Eastham) Hammons.  A 1958 graduate of Blissfield High School, he received his Bachelors Degree in Education from Michigan State University and his Masters Degree in Leadership and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University.  He was passionate about education and dedicated his life to providing a safe, healthy and quality environment for children to learn.  Larry began teaching American History in 1963 at Ida Middle School and retired in 2000 as a guidance counselor.  He was an avid sports fan and coached cross country and football at Ida Middle School and junior varsity football at Ida High School.  He was the owner and operator of Ottawa Valley Sheep Farm, where he raised Southdown Sheep and 4H Club Lambs.   Larry was a former board member of the Whiteford School District and was vice-president of the Monroe County Intermediate School District.  He was also a board member of the Monroe County Fair and the Junior Livestock Association.  Larry adored his grandchildren and was always there to support them and cheer them on at their sporting events.              Larry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan (Szymanski); children, Amy Hammons (Rich Kirby), LeighAnn (Scott) Pillarelli, and Larry II (Jennifer) Hammons; grandchildren, Brayden and Braxton Hammons-Kirby, ReighAnnon, Reddik, Rocco, and Ryker Pillarelli, and Jack and Peyton Hammons; siblings, Charles (Bonnie) Puckett, Phyllis (Ken) Briggs, Barbara (Gene) Luce, Betty Wollam, and Bonnie (Howard) Knaggs; and many nieces and nephews.      Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 1-8:00 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where services will be on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Whiteford Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Junior Livestock Association, c/o 4H, 963 S. Raisinville, Monroe, MI 48161 or to the Monroe County ISD Student Activity Fund to support students with disabilities.  Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com. He was a true MSU fan, Go Green, Go White, Sparty On!