Obituary - Walter Hammond

Walter (Bud) Hammond, Lewiston

We lost a true American hero Sept. 12, 2012. Walter (Bud) Hammond passed in Lewiston after a slow decline from poor health from the effects of aging. Bud served with the Marines in serious battles in the Pacific Theater in World War II. He was among the first infantry who landed on Iwo Jima and saw incredible action. He was one of only three survivors in his platoon of 60 men. He witnessed the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima, indicating the taking of the island by American forces.

Bud was born in Pullman to Owen and Hazel Hammond in January 1922. He was raised in Pullman, Pierce and Deary, where he graduated high school. He married Harriett Eacker in Moscow in 1942. They raised four children, Claudia (Bernal Femreite), Cherrie (Ron Halseth), Buddy (Cheryl), and Jenny (Gordon Cox). They lived in Deary and Avery until 1963, when they moved to Lewiston.

Bud and his father ran a small construction business after Bud returned from the war. Bud then worked in the logging industry until he was seriously hurt and partially disabled. He owned Bud's Chevron Service in Deary after he recovered enough from his accident. He then joined Kruger construction, traveling the Northwest on water and sewer projects. Later he worked at the Port of Wilma, where he retired in 1987.

He and Harriett seriously enjoyed retired life, camping, fishing, hunting and traveling. They spent a great deal of quality time with their family and had great gatherings at their home for the extended family and friends on both sides. He spent a lot of quality time at "huntin' " camp with his dear friends and family.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Velda Peterson; brother, Gerald; and grandson, Kyle Halseth. Survivors are his wife of 70 years; sister, Lavelle Amos; his children; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, with visitation at 2 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home, Seventh Street, Lewiston. The family is greatly indebted to Kindred Life Care, Lewiston, for their capable, dedicated care of Walter and Harriett. You are invited to visit and sign the online guest book at www.mtviewfuneralhome.com.

Lewiston Tribune, September 19, 2012, p. 5D
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock