Edward Lee “Eddie” Hammett, 80, of Mexico, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 9th, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. Eddie will be remembered for his quick wit, kind heart, and unwavering love as a devoted husband, beloved father, proud papa, cherished brother, and loyal friend.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Arnold Funeral Home, with Dennis Crossno officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park, with a meal to be provided afterward at the Mexico Elks Lodge.
Visitation to celebrate Eddie’s life will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Arnold Funeral Home.
Eddie Hammett was born on August 2, 1944, in Silex, Missouri, the son of Sylvester and Velma Hammett. He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Eolia, where he and his family attended regularly. As one of nine children, Eddie quickly learned many life lessons—chief among them, how to survive having five sisters!
From a young age, Eddie was no stranger to hard work. He helped local farmers and firmly believed that if you wanted something, you had to earn it. That work ethic stayed with him throughout his life. He often compared modern prices to the past with a smile, saying, “You know, I didn’t pay that much for my first car,” and proudly recalling it cost him around $90.
Eddie had a gift for fixing just about anything and took pride in doing things right. He spent ten years working at Ennis Implement and went on to dedicate thirty-six years to Sydenstricker Implement, where he eventually retired. Through his career in the farming industry, he built lifelong friendships and earned the respect of many—his word was his bond, and a handshake was all it took.
A true outdoorsman, Eddie had a passion for deer hunting, boating, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his close friends and family. In his younger years, he even raced cars. He loved collecting guns and knives, always on the lookout for unique pieces to add to his collection. Eddie was also known for throwing great gatherings and genuinely enjoying the company of those he loved. Whether it was playing cards or games, time with Eddie meant laughter, stories, and good times.
On June 9, 1979, Eddie married the love of his life, Judy Hammett. Over 45 years of marriage, they made a great team—not just in life but in business. Eddie’s skills and Judy’s talent for decorating led them to take on countless projects together, including fixing up homes to live in, sell, or add to their rental portfolio. They even built several homes from the ground up. One of Eddie’s favorite sayings was, “If you work for it, it will be worth more to you.”
Eddie and Judy loved to travel, especially spending winters in Florida. They enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing side by side, with Bennett Springs State Park becoming a treasured family tradition for over 40 years.
Eddie was a devoted husband, father, and proud papa. He cherished his family and always made time for those he loved. Known for his adventurous spirit and generous heart, he never met a stranger. He was the kind of neighbor who was always there to lend a hand and the kind of friend who’d call just to check in—sometimes for a quick hello, other times for a long chat.
Some of Eddie’s favorite sayings, which perfectly capture the way he lived his life, include:
“You’d never hear me say, ‘Oh, it’s good enough.’”
“If you borrow something, always return it in as good or better condition than you got it.”
“You’ve got nothing if you can’t stand by your word.”
Eddie Hammett will be remembered for his strong character, generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. He left a legacy built on hard work, kindness, and integrity—and those who knew him will carry his memory in their hearts always.
Eddie leaves behind his beloved wife Judy, his two daughters, Audrea (Audy) Waugh (Michael) of Forney, Texas and Marla Hammett of Crandall, Texas; step-son Robert (Rob) Gillenwater (Ann) of Moberly, Missouri; grandchildren, Aaron Pass, Haley Waugh (Katie), Tyler Gillenwater (Morgan), Trenna Gillenwater, Mckol Gray, Brynanda Langston; great grandchildren, Lakelynn Pass and Preslee Gore; sisters, Elizabeth Gregory, Garnell Ramsour (Bobby), Barbara Crane, Flossy Comia (Bud); brothers, Buddy Hammett (Ruth Ann), Donald Hammett (Betty), Gary Hammett, Goddaughters; Lindsey Wilmshorst-Allison, Kaylee Gieseker Omohundro, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Velma Hammett, and his sister, Lois Ann Hoffman.
Memorials may be made to Mexico Elks Lodge or Audrain Humane Society of Mexico, Missouri. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
