Walter E. Hammond, 92, formerly of 88 Sycamore St., Tiffin and Chandler, AZ; died Saturday morning, January 23, 2010 at Piqua Manor in Piqua.

On April 16, 1917 in Springfield, Ohio he was born to the late John W. and Mary Loretta (Riley) Hammond. He married Cynthia J. "Jean" Clifford in Springfield on August 25, 1947.

Survivors include two sons, Brian (Karen) Hammond of Troy; John Todd (Candace) Hammond of Chandler, AZ; a daughter Cyndi (Lou) Bellerose-Mc Afee of Columbus; 5 grandsons, 5 granddaughters, and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jean of 61 years, and two brothers, John Joseph and Orrin Thomas Hammond.

Walter was a 1935 graduate of Catholic Central High School in Springfield and served 4 A½ years in the U.S. Army during WWII, part of which was in the Pacific. While in the Army, Walt played football for the Patterson field Pylons.

After his service career, Walt enrolled at Wittenberg College for 2 years, where he also played football and graduated with an accounting degree in 1949 from Marquette University.

Walter came to Tiffin Mercy Hospital in 1970 as Chief Financial Officer and held that position until his retirement in 1990. While at the hospital, he was very active in Physician recruitment and public relations.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Past-President and Treasurer of the American Cancer Society, member of American Legion Post #169, Tiffin Moose Lodge #846. A past member of the K of C #608, Tiffin Rotary Club, Elks Lodge #94, and a charter member of F.A.C.T. Walter will be remembered by his accomplishments and his passion for a great game of golf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. A Rosary will be prayed at 11:45 AM at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the United Veterans Council.

Friends may visit and reflect on the life of Walter on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 10:00-11:45 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tiffin.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Those who wish may consider memorial contributions to Mercy Hospital of Tiffin, F.A.C.T. or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.