Obituary of Franklin Hammac

Franklin Joe "Frank" Hammac January 20, 1936 - June 8, 2010 Franklin Joe Hammac was born in Harlan, Kentucky on January 20, 1936. He was the son of the late Noah Hammac and the late Thelma (Renfroe) Hammac. The Hammac family moved to Michigan when Frank was a young boy and he attended school in the Belleville area. He married the love of his life the former Ruth England on January 24, 1953 in Monroe. Frank supported his family as a welder for Monroe Steel Castings Company for more than twenty years. He took a medical retirement in 1976. Frank was a member of the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan (whether they won or lost), and also a Detroit Pistons fan. Frank enjoyed the great outdoors, and he shared his love of hunting and fishing with his family. The family fondly recalls many retreats to their Harrison cabin, Up North, for more than fifteen years. Frank also enjoyed country music, and even had his own band for many years. His favorite artist was Merle Haggard. More than anything Frank cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren Frank Hammac age 74 of Monroe passed away at 10:30pm, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Hospital where he had been for eight days. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by two brothers: Estil Thomas and Bob Sargent. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of more than fifty-seven years: Ruth of Monroe; five children: Gail Ruth Poppe of Monroe, Jessie (Chris) Kelly of Monroe, Geraldine (Edward) Karas of Trenton, Michael Hammac of Monroe, and Jason (Renee) Hammac of Westland; two sisters: Lorene Lands of Monroe and Vassie Hooper of Alabama; two brothers: Ronald Hammac of Harrison and Dennis (Terry) Hammac of Romulus; twenty grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren. Friends may gather Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. On Friday, June 11, 2010 he will lie in state from 2:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 3:00pm at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, 14260 South Dixie Highway. The Rev. Roy Southerland pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for his final rest. Memorial donations in Frank's name may be made to the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.