Larry Hammar

Larry Russel Hammar, 77, of Nixa, Missouri went to be with his Lord, Saturday evening, December 16 at the Ozark Riverview Skilled Nursing Facility, Ozark, Missouri. Larry was born August 10, 1940 in Beloit, Kansas to Russel and Birdie (Yocum) Hammar. His family chose to move to California where Larry grew up in San Jose. At the age of 13 he was baptized into the family of God by brother Elihu Johnson and has served his Lord faithfully unto death. After graduating from San Jose State University he worked in New Mexico as a founder of the Home Education Livelihood Program known as HELP in 1964 and moved up rapidly and became a State Director. This program still serves low-income families in New Mexico. In 1973 Larry gave up a promising career and attended the Church of Christ preacher school led by Clifford Deister in Topeka, Kansas and dedicated his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. On February 9, 1974 Larry was united in marriage to Valeta Marie Fritz in Des Moines, Iowa. Valeta joined Larry in his endeavors of completing his schooling in Topeka. Larry returned to California with his bride, working with several congregations in southern California. Larry and Valeta were known for their hospitality, kindness, and generosity to both their church family but also to love of family with their parents, siblings and especially nieces and nephews. They are lifetime members of the church of Christ attending currently at Riverside Road church of Christ, Ozark. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Birdie (Yocum) Hammar and his sister, Susan (Hammar) Hansen. He leaves behind his loving wife, Valeta, and four siblings: Jerry (and Judy) Hammar, Michaelene (and Don) King, Joe (and Barbara) Hammar, and Heidi (and Tim) Nemeth; nieces and nephews: Michael, Suzanne, Jeff; Paul, Danielle, Julie-Ann; Stephanie, Matthew, Elisabeth; Jonathan, Jason, Daniel, and Andrew. A funeral will be held Friday, December 22 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Viewing at 10:00 am; Funeral Service at 11:00 am with interment following at Richwood Cemetery at Richwood & Fremont Road, Ozark, Missouri