Robert Zane Hammond was born April 27, 1938 to Thomas Randolph and Mary Jewell (Meredith) Hammond on a farm near Osceola, Missouri. He was the youngest of 13 children. Family meant so much to Zane from his beginning years throughout his life.
Zane attended a one-room school from 1st-8th grade. Mrs. Lula Schrum, his 8th grade teacher, gave him a Bible and shared God’s plan of salvation with him. Zane went home that day and knelt beside the wood burning stove and asked Jesus into his heart. It was on that day, that he began his walk with the Lord. Throughout his life, he knew that God was always with him and there to guide his steps along the way.
Zane graduated from Osceola High School where he loved shop and music. He sang in a quartet and took first place at the state competition. He was an active member of the FFA. Zane and his schoolmates loved to go coon hunting.
His first job was at Dick Roeder’s Sinclair filling station in Osceola. Cruising around the Osceola square, Karen and Zane spotted each other. The rest is history. Zane found the girl of his dreams, Karen, his future wife. From this marriage, three precious children were born-Debbie, Sheri, and Dan.
On May 5, 1958, he started working at Bendix in Kansas City. This job opened doors to his work with computers. He continued his IT work at Baptist Memorial Hospital, then at Blue Cross Blue Shield, and finally at Hallmark. He retired on May 4, 1999 (almost 41 years to the day he started at Bendix). Zane always trusted God and praised him for His provisions.
Even though he moved to the city, he never lost his love for being down home. In 1984, Zane and Karen bought his brother Lloyd’s farm near his birthplace. Life on the farm has provided special memories for Zane and Karen as well as for their children, grandchildren, and other visiting relatives and guests.
Besides his love for the farm, Zane also loved classic cars. His first car was a Ford Model A. His latest project was restoring a 1940 Lasalle identical to the one he owned when he was 16. On his 80th birthday, he happily showcased this 1940 Lasalle.
More than anything, Zane loved the Lord and his family. God brought Zane into Karen’s life and was a beloved husband. He was her rock. His love, compassion, support, and encouragement was given continually throughout their marriage.
This love overflowed to each of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Zane was a wonderful dad to his children and to their spouses as well as being a loving grandpa. They all knew that he loved them and was there for them. He always gave hugs and told them he loved them.
Zane was a prayer warrior. He prayed for many family members, friends, and those in need, lifting them up to God, praying for their needs and most of all, for their salvation. He always praised God for the privilege of having access to God through Jesus Christ His/Our Savior.
He was devoted to reading God’s word daily and applying it to his life. A couple of his favorite verses were John 3:16 and Proverbs 3:5,6.
Zane and Karen’s church home began at Centropolis Baptist Church in KC. where they met many Christian friends who remain connected to this day. Centropolis, Kansas City Baptist Temple, and Abundant Life friends over the years are still dear to their hearts and consider them their “extended family”.
Zane went to be with His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Jewel Hammond, and 11 siblings-Dee Hammond, Lee Hammond, Lloyd Hammond, Esther Milburger, Gus Hammond, Beatrice Combs, Mary Ellen Slaybaugh, Elizabeth Green, W.F. Hammond, Walter Hammond, and Twain Hammond.
Zane is survived by his wife, Karen Hammond of Blue Springs, MO; brother, Blanton Hammond of Lee’s Summit, MO; daughters, Debbie Dollar & husband Tim of Lee’s Summit, MO; Sheri Hartley & husband David of Blue Springs, MO; son, Dr. Dan Hammond and wife Rhonda of Lone Oak, Texas; granddaughters, Jenna, Lauren, Shelby, Mara, Grace, Lillie; grandsons, Blake, Jordan, Drew, Josh; great grandson, Logan; as well as many other relatives and friends. The family expresses their appreciation in joining them in the celebration of Zane Hammond’s life.
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