Oren "Dodie" Walter Hammond Jr.

Oren “Dodie” Walter Hammond Jr., 85 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 3:45 pm Wednesday October 29, 2025, at home surrounded by family. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on February 16, 1940, the son of the late Oren Walter Hammond Sr. and Mildred Hammond. On September 16, 1967, he finally married his childhood muse Mary Ella (Fennell) Hammond who preceded him in death on August 2, 1996.

Oren graduated from Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Florida. He very proudly served our country in the United States Air Force from 1959 through 1965. He served with the Strategic Air Command as a Personal Equipment Specialist and Primary Instructor.  He worked at Chrysler Corp. on the production line and retired while ethically working in the salvage department. He was the best protector, provider, and father to his family. He found joy being in wide open spaces, spending much time outdoors mushroom hunting, searching for stones, minerals, and hand painted bottles. Many days he would fall asleep while swinging in his backyard while watching clouds and birds. He was an avid collector, enjoyed antiquing, science and botany, when younger he enjoyed spelunking. He loved traveling to new places to engage in horse racing, and rarely did he take the same route both directions. He was a lover of music, and especially enjoyed listening to bluegrass, country, gospel, and any music from the 1940’s or 50’s. Oren possessed artistic skill that he displayed in oil painting and in creating jewelry, bolo ties, and belt buckles out of rare stones and minerals. Most everyone who crossed paths with Oren commented on his humor. He was tough on the outside but tender on the inside and was commonly referred to as “my favorite”. Oren was President of the Commodore Club and a member of the Eagles Club, and with fervor turned down many opportunities to be a foreman at Chrysler. He attended Abundant Life Church in Kokomo.

He is survived by his children, Mara Hammond, Sandy McAninch, David G. Hudson, John Ernest (Debbie) Hudson, Bonita Hudson; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; young uncle, Art Hammond; and cousin, Amy Jennings Evans.

He was preceded in death by his father, Oren Walter Hammond Sr.; mother, Mildred (Packard-Hammond) Harley; brother, William “Bill” Hammond; sister, Mary Lou (Hammond) Deese; son-in-law, John McAninch.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am to Noon Saturday November 8, 2025, at Hasler – Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, IN 46936. A funeral service celebrating Oren’s life will begin at Noon on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Toph Elkins officiating. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion Post #317. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Oren’s memory to Operation Smile Foundation by visiting https://www.operationsmile.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

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