Mr. Arthur E. Hamman, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois died 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2016 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice House, Peoria, Illinois.
He was born September 8, 1934 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Arthur E. and Sylvia Bell Hamman. He married Helen Louise Smith on August 30, 1968 in Kirkwood, Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 2, 2015.
He is survived by two sons, Kevin E. (and Terri) Hamman of Galesburg and Bruce G. Hamman of Washington; two daughters, Shari Johnson of Ohio and Judith (and Corey) Remington of Whitewood, South Dakota; a brother, Terry (and Marion) Hamman of Sun City, Arizona; a sister Patricia Ekstedt of Altona, Illinois; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He worked in the Plastics Division at Maytag for over 30 years, retiring in 1997.
Arthur served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Four Square Gospel Church, Galesburg. He was a graduate of Galesburg High School and Carl Sandburg College
He became a member of the Alpha Masonic Lodge #155 on May 16, 1979. He held the office of Worshipful Master in 1984 and 2016.
He was District Deputy Grand Master from 1985 to 1993; Assistant Area Deputy Grand Master from 1993 to 1998; Assistant Grand Marshall from 2000 to 2002 and Grand Standard Bearer during 2012 and 2013.
He became a Royal Arch Mason of the Warren Chapter #30 on May 16, 1992. He was the High Priest in 2002 and 2003.
He became a Cryptic Mason of the Illinois Council #1, Knoxville on May 19, 1992. He was the Illustrious Master in 2004 and 2005.
He was knighted as a Knight Templar of the Galesburg Commandery #8 on October 30, 1992. He served as Eminent Commander in 2002 and 2003.
He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Moline. He served as the Thrice Potent Master in 1989 and 1990. He served as Sovereign Prince of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem during 2009 and 2010. He served as Most Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix in 1991 and 1992. He served as Commander-in-Chief of the Consistory in 2002 and 2004. He became a 33 degree Mason on August 30, 2005.
He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star serving as Worthy Grand Patron in 2000; the White Shrine of Jerusalem, the York Rite College, the Illinois Lodge of Research, the Tracy O’Galway Council #4, the Little Egypt Order #63, the Swaord of Bunker Hill, the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Holy Trinity Conclave.
Cremation will be accorded. An Order of Eastern Star service will be held at 10:00AM Wednesday, April 6, 2016 immediately followed by a Masonic Service. At its completion, Rev. Robert Wakefield will officiate a memorial service. The family will receive friends following the service at The David Loring Masonic Temple, 3415 Lincoln Park Dr. A private committal service will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Grand Chapter O.E.S. Endowment Trust Fund or the Four Square Gospel Church. Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.
