Melvin Hamm

ORAN, Mo. — Melvin Hamm was born Nov. 23, 1934, in Oran to Leo Hamm and Irmina Dannenmueller Hamm, and departed his life Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Cape Girardeau at the age of 87 years.

He lived on the family farm most of his life helping his father farm. In 1953, Melvin met Martha Ann Robert. After dating, they got married April 23, 1955, and raised four children — three sons and one daughter.

Melvin was a charter member of Knights of Columbus Counsel No. 4311 in Oran. He and Martha farmed for several years after buying the farm. They rented it out, and Melvin went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the Soil Conservation Service and worked for 30 years, retiring at the age of 59.

Melvin also served 27 years with the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, retiring as sergeant first class. Melvin was also a member of American Legion Post No. 369, where he served as commander. Melvin loved to hunt and fish. He hunted in several states, killing mule deer and whitetail deer and black bear in Canada.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha Ann; three sons, David (Nikita) Hamm, Rick (Emilie) Hamm and Greg Hamm; one daughter, Rhonda Kay (Steve) Niebruegge; grandchildren, Brandi Hamm, Keisha (Justin) Adams, Zachary (Sara) Hamm, Megan (Evan) Zych, Ryan (Angela) Niebruegge, Brendan Niebruegge, Autumn (Travis) Stevens, Hailey (Dustin) Massey and Austin (Jessica) Clardy; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Luella Kielhofner and Doris Patrick.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Gilbert Hamm, and by one sister, Carol Welter

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, Missouri.

Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the church, with the Rev. Bala Swamy Govindu officiating. Interment will follow in St. Denis Cemetery.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Denis Church in Benton.

Online condolences may be sent at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.