Norman Hamm Obituary

Norman Rodney Hamm "Rod", 63, of Lawrence, passed away at his home with his family at his side on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Rod was born on January 10, 1955 in Topeka, son of Gary Lawrence and Helen Esther Quinlan Hamm of Perry. He graduated from Perry Lecompton High School in 1972. Rod married Denise Rae Shepherd on August 5th 1995 at Incline Village, NV. Rod and Denise were blessed with their son, Alexander Rodney "Alex" on April 2nd 1996. Rod began working for his grandfather/fathers company, Hamm Companies, at an early age. He became President and C.E.O. in 1989. It was very important to him to keep Hamm Company, a family orientated business until the company sold to Summit Materials in 2009. Rod then retired in September 2012. He served as a board member of the Kansas Contractors Association and as a board member of the Aggregate and Asphalt Associations. He was an active participant in State politics and supporter of all legislation concerning transportation within the state. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Perry, and Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Lawrence. Rod is survived by his loving wife Denise at their home. He is also survived by his son Alex Hamm, Topeka, his father Gary L. Hamm, Lawrence, three brothers; Brad (Rhonda) Hamm, Perry, "Lil" Gary (Liz) Hamm, Lawrence, Jeremy (Sherri) Hamm, Lawrence, one sister; Moni (Steve) Gray, Perry. Four nephews; Jeff Hamm, TG Hamm, Spencer Hamm, and Jett Gray, four nieces; Steph Fagan, Sam Bronoski, Wendy Beth Hamm, and Britain Hamm, two great- nephews and three great- nieces. He is now reunited with his brother Jeff and his mother Helen in heaven.

Rod had a passion for boating and shared a home with his wife Denise at the Lake of the Ozarks. He loved speed and was fearless. He enjoyed riding and eventually racing motorcycles, often with his son, Alex. Even though Rod worked tirelessly side by side with his siblings and father, he chose to spend his free time and share his passions with them also. Rod was brilliant, loving, fair, and respected by all who had the honor of knowing him.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Friday, May 11, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Lawrence. A Celebration of Life Gathering will follow at the Jayhawk Club. Memorials suggested to Douglas County Hospice and Visiting Nurses or to Lawrence Humane Society in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066. www.barnettfamilyfh.com