1921
Walker
2013
Walker Montgomery Hammett
May 16, 1921 — October 14, 2013
Harlingen/Richardson, TX:
Walker Montgomery Hammett died at the age of 92 on Monday, October 14. He was born to J.D. and Ruth Hammett in La Grange, GA on May 16, 1921. At the young age of 3, he, along with his parents; older sister, the late Hassie Hammett Daniels; and brother, James Hammett Jr.; left their home in Georgia to venture to the Rio Grande Valley, where they settled in the Santa Rosa area. The memories of that 3 year-old’s adventure filled much of his time in his later years.
Following graduation from Santa Rosa High School, Walker farmed with his father until World War II, when he enlisted in the Army in September 1942. After being honorably discharged from the service in 1946, he returned to his beloved Valley. Soon after returning home, he enrolled in Edinburg Junior College. While a student at Edinburg, two events occurred that forever shaped his life. First, he met the love of his life, Alafair Burton, whom he married in June 1951. Second, he was appointed Officer in Charge and then in 1950, he was commissioned as a Postmaster at Santa Rosa.
Walker served proudly as Postmaster in Santa Rosa until his retirement in April 1982. In addition, he was active in multiple organizations. He served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa, and the First Baptist Church of Harlingen. He was involved in the National Association of Postmasters of the United Statues, American Legion, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Kiwanis Club and Lions Club. In addition, he served as ‘First Husband’ when Alafair became the first President of the fledgling Association of Texas Professional Educators.
In addition to his wife Alafair, he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jeanie Hammett-Zelanko and son-in-law Mike of Mesquite, Texas; grandchildren Elise (Derek) and David Zelanko of Mesquite; sisters Nell Cundiff of Houston and Helen (Sel) Taylor of Chamblee, GA; brother, James of Duncanville, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews who will long remember their Uncle Buck.
Six years ago, age and miles dictated that Walker and Alafair move to the family farm near Waco, Texas. Walker will now make his final journey to the home he was reluctant to leave. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 17 from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Friday, October 18 at 2 p.m., at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas.
At the family’s request, memorials should be made to the Valley Baptist Medical Center Foundation of Harlingen.
Walker Montgomery Hammett died at the age of 92 on Monday, October 14. He was born to J.D. and Ruth Hammett in La Grange, GA on May 16, 1921. At the young age of 3, he, along with his parents; older sister, the late Hassie Hammett Daniels; and brother, James Hammett Jr.; left their home in Georgia to venture to the Rio Grande Valley, where they settled in the Santa Rosa area. The memories of that 3 year-old’s adventure filled much of his time in his later years.
Following graduation from Santa Rosa High School, Walker farmed with his father until World War II, when he enlisted in the Army in September 1942. After being honorably discharged from the service in 1946, he returned to his beloved Valley. Soon after returning home, he enrolled in Edinburg Junior College. While a student at Edinburg, two events occurred that forever shaped his life. First, he met the love of his life, Alafair Burton, whom he married in June 1951. Second, he was appointed Officer in Charge and then in 1950, he was commissioned as a Postmaster at Santa Rosa.
Walker served proudly as Postmaster in Santa Rosa until his retirement in April 1982. In addition, he was active in multiple organizations. He served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa, and the First Baptist Church of Harlingen. He was involved in the National Association of Postmasters of the United Statues, American Legion, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Kiwanis Club and Lions Club. In addition, he served as ‘First Husband’ when Alafair became the first President of the fledgling Association of Texas Professional Educators.
In addition to his wife Alafair, he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jeanie Hammett-Zelanko and son-in-law Mike of Mesquite, Texas; grandchildren Elise (Derek) and David Zelanko of Mesquite; sisters Nell Cundiff of Houston and Helen (Sel) Taylor of Chamblee, GA; brother, James of Duncanville, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews who will long remember their Uncle Buck.
Six years ago, age and miles dictated that Walker and Alafair move to the family farm near Waco, Texas. Walker will now make his final journey to the home he was reluctant to leave. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 17 from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Friday, October 18 at 2 p.m., at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas.
At the family’s request, memorials should be made to the Valley Baptist Medical Center Foundation of Harlingen.
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