Breeden Pierce Hamer, Jr.

January 3, 1932 ~ February 17, 2016

Breeden Pierce Hamer, Jr., retired Lt. Col. USAF, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016. Born January 3, 1932 in Bennettsville, SC, to Breeden Pierce and Louise (Hart) Hamer. He grew up in Bennettsville and Clio, SC. Breeden graduated from Presbyterian College. In the USAF he had 15 stations in 20 years of service including reconnaissance over Korea, tours in Guam and Vietnam. Throughout his career he served as an engineer, navigator, pilot (primarily Huey helicopters), service in SAC missile units, and as squadron commander. Breeden received numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service as a Rescue Commander and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in aerial flight. In 1955, he married MarGene Bair. They were married for 29 years and had two children, Jeff and Mary. After his retirement from the USAF, he attended WSU and received a second Bachelors Degree, an MBA, and was a computer consultant and volunteer. Breeden enjoyed fishing, woodworking, photography, and felt there was no greater luxury in life than to be surrounded by books. He had an insatiable quest for knowledge and immersed himself at different times in his life trying to master computer programming, AI, studying the history of religion, economics, climate change, and nutrition. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Winfred Groves. He is survived by his children, Jeff (Terry) Hamer, Mary (Larry) Moyer; grandchildren, Kurtis and Evie Marcotte, Erin and Brian Depperschmidt, Keith Moyer, Alan Hamer, Joseph Hamer; great-grandchildren Madison, Laken, Mason, Allie and Calvin; sisters, Agnes (Fred) Kolb and Martha Groves. Many kind and special people made his life easier in his last few years. His family will be forever grateful for their help and kindness. A private family memorial will be held. Memorial donations can be made to Alzheimers Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing and Lahey Mortuary West.