RAYMOND CONNOR HAMMOND, JR.

RAYMOND CONNOR HAMMOND, JR.
After a long battle with Parkinson's, Connor Hammond was gently and peacefully lifted into God's embrace and promise of eternal life on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 with his daughter at his side. He was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on April 3, 1924, the only child of Raymond Connor Hammond, Sr. and Jewell Whittinghill Hammond, and was a long time resident of Slidell, Louisiana. Connor was, first and foremost, a devoted husband, father and "Gaps" to his grandchildren Betsy and Brandon, and always wore a grin and twinkle in his eye that let everyone know that he was ready for fun. He was an avid golfer, a master draftsman, engineer and woodworker, and could always be counted on to organize and serve as the guide for countless road trips with friends.
Connor served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and spent many years with Shell Oil Company in both onshore and offshore production, and later as a safety and OSHA representative, speaking throughout the country at seminars and safety banquets. During his many years in Slidell, he was a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and was a former President of the Slidell Lions Club. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International, and spent many years working for the Lions LSU Eye Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Brandon, and three short months ago, by his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Frances Alpha Hammond. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Whittinghill Hammond and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Hammond Gray, both of New Orleans, and his devoted and much loved caregiver Patsy Dossman. Although he was an only child, he was much a part of and loved by his late wife's large family, and is also survived by four sisters-in-law, Janet Alpha Blanco of Ricohoc, Marlene Alpha Daigle of Morgan City, Maxine Alpha Walker and her husband, Don, of Plano, Texas, and Joan Breaux Alpha of Woodworth, Louisiana, and numerous nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank the staff of St. Anna's Residence of New Orleans, who provided him, and them, with a safe, loving haven during the final months of his life. He was the anchor and heart of his family, and we'll not see his like again.
Services and interment will be in Morgan City Cemetery and will be private, and a memorial reception celebrating his life will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Boulevard, Slidell, Louisiana, 70458, on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at 9:45 AM. Connor's family requests that he be remembered with donations to his church.