Gerald P. Hammond, "Pat", age 76, of Portage, IN and formerly of Hobart, IN passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Pat was born on August 1, 1946, to the late Doyle William and Wanda Margaret (nee Watson) Hammond.  At the age of 19, Pat joined the Laborers' Local 81 and worked with them for over 25 years.  In 1990 Pat opened Ace Auto and worked until closing the business in 2011.  He married the love of his life, Barbara Bascom, on December 31, 1965 and spent 57 years together.

Pat was a member of Laborers' Local 81, The Hobart Loyal Order of Moose #783, Hobart Federation of Eagles, and the Hobart Veterans of Foreign Wars #5365.  He enjoyed working on, towing, driving, and owning old cars and loved his 1955 Chevy's most of all.  Pat was a family man and loved his sons and grandsons.  His joy was to mow the grass at any opportunity.  Pat's favorite holidays were St. Patrick's Day and Christmas and showed it by wearing his derby hat and Santa hat.  Pat was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Pat is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons: Eugene "Jeep" (Melonie) Hammond and Dean (Kay) Hammond; grandsons: Sean, Brian, and Benjamin Hammond; sisters: Carol (late Bob) Shepard, Sue (Jim) Anderson, and Donna Alexander; siblings-in-law: Blanche (Dale) Richardson, Fran Bascom, Ida (Joe) Kennedy, Diane (John) Beckett, Shirley (Danny) Williams, Ray (Joyce) Bascom, and Ken Bartley; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog: Spot.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents: Doyle and Wanda Hammond; brothers: Vernon (late Helen) Hammond, Daniel (late Jeanne) Hammond, Benjamin Hammond, and Edwin (Carol) Hammond; parents-in-law: Richard and Evelyn Bascom; and siblings-in-law: Henry Bascom, Sherry Bartley, and Bud Groet.

Pat's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ashley and Hillary from Comfort Care.  Your help and dedication was God sent.

Family and friends may gather at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel (600 W Old Ridge Rd, Hobart) on Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 11:00 A.M – 3:30 P.M.   A Celebration of Pat's Life will take place immediately following memorial visitation at 3:30 P.M. with Paul VanHorn officiating.  Cremation is entrusted to Rees Funeral Homes, Hobart Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pat's name may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children.  To make a contribution, please click here .