Clayton Edward Hamm

ODESSA — Clayton Edward Hamm, 92, died Sunday, June 13, 2004. He was born October 6, 1911, in Duncan, Okla. He was a lifelong worker in the oilfields, starting when he skipped high school in Oklahoma City to stand on the street corner and wait for the drilling crews to pick him up. He and his family followed the drilling rigs all over Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and even into Illinois. He originally came to Odessa in 1935. He worked for oilfield service companies and retired at age 74 from Atlas Pipe and Equipment of Midland. He served with the 3rd Battalion Seabees during WWII.
His hobbies were his yard and garden and sitting on the steps smoking his pipe and watching the clouds. Clayton loved puppies and babies, especially his great-grandbabies. He was a member of Bethany Christian Church. His last home was Parks Methodist Retirement Center where he was surrounded by loving caregivers.
He is survived by his wife, Clara Dale Hamm of Odessa; daughters, Patricia A. Fry of Odessa and Janice K. Green of Conroe; stepdaughters, Becky Ann Gray of Houston and Nancy Jo Campbell of Fort Worth; two grandchildren, Tony Fry and Monica Fry, both of Odessa; four stepgrandchildren, Richard Reeves of League City, Danny Reeves of Rosharon, Jennifer Barber of League City and Tamara Cooper of Crowley; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at Bethany Christian Church with the Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
“The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, and yet it echoes on its sweet refrain. For every joy that passes something beautiful remains.”
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.