Phillip Edward Hammond, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away
peacefully on February 16, 2025, at his residence in Osage Beach, Missouri. He was 85
years old. Phillip was born on October 2, 1939, to Maurice and Sylvia (Nee Marcum)
Hammond of Berea, Kentucky.
Phillip is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeraldine, and his two daughters, Natalie
Hammond and Stephanie Savage of Naples, Florida. He was very proud of his three
grandchildren, Timothy, Sarah, and Trace Savage.
Phillip spent his childhood and early life in Berea, Kentucky, and graduated from the
local high school where he excelled in golf and basketball. In 1962, Phillip married his
long-time sweetheart, Jeraldine Hughes at Danforth Chapel on the campus of Berea
College. She was an inspiration and guiding light for Phil throughout his lifetime.
That same year, Phil received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the
University of Kentucky. While a student, Phil worked as a counselor in the men’s
dormitory organization and as an instructor in the campus machine shop to pay tuition
and college expenses. He was a member of the college golf team and an intermural golf
champion.
After graduation, Phil accepted an engineering position with McDonnell-Douglas
Astronautics Company in St. Louis, Missouri. His first assignment was structural analyst
with The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacecraft program,
Gemini. During Phil’s 30-year career, he was assigned to numerous space and military
projects. In recognition of his outstanding job performance, Phil was nominated for the
President’s Award.
Phil was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends.
After retiring from the aerospace industry, he founded Classic Firearms LLC and
became a recognized consultant and purveyor of vintage firearms for sportsmen,
collectors, and investors.
He was a member of Harper Chapel Methodist Church in Osage Beach, Missouri, and
will live in the hearts of his family as a devoted and loving husband, father, and
grandfather. Phillip will be laid to rest in his hometown Berea, Kentucky with his mother
and father later this Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to
Dogwood Animal Shelter, 1075 Runabout Drive, Osage Beach, Missouri 65065.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514
Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online
for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.
