Kenneth W. "Sam" Hammer

Kenneth W. "Sam" Hammer, 53, of Parsons, passed away at 6:55 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Kenneth Wayne Hammer was born on May 15, 1967, to Rex and Beatrice (Peterson) Hammer in Parsons, Kansas. As a young boy, Sam grew up and attended school in Altamont. In 1986, he graduated from Labette County High School and went on to attend Labette Community College.

For six years, Sam served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army National Guard. Living most of his life in Parsons and Altamont, Sam had worked at Herman Lumber and at Charloma as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Sam also really enjoyed hunting in his younger years and fishing more recently.

He and Joni Stringer were married. The couple later divorced.

Survivors include:

His parents – Rex and Beatrice Hammer of Altamont, Kansas

Two sisters – Norma Jean Cefarelli of East Hampton, Connecticut

Terri Greaves of Topeka, Kansas

There will be a private family graveside service. Friends may call at the temporary location of the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in the Fellowship Hall of the Altamont Methodist Church from 1:00 p.m., to 7:00 p.m., Sunday.

Memorials are suggested to the American Stroke Foundation or the American Heart Association. These can be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.