Gilbert N. Hammond, Sr.

Funeral services for Gilbert N. Hammond, Sr., 82, of Junction City will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2013 at the New Church of the Living God with Reverend Robert Marshall officiating, burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 18, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline Avenue. Memorial contributions have been designated to the New Church of the Living God, 1315 W. Ash Street, Junction City, KS 66441 and also to the NAACP.

Gilbert N. Hammond Sr. was born January 16, 1931, the son of Lucy E. and Roger C. Hammond in Junction City, Kansas. Gilbert was the 7th of 14 children. He went home to be with the Lord July 12, 2013.

Gilbert accepted Christ at a very young age and became an ordained deacon in The Church of God at the age of 16. He was a man of wisdom and great faith remaining active in the service of the Lord until his demise. Gilbert was the eldest deacon in the New Church of the Living God.

Gilbert graduated from Junction City, High School in 1950. After graduation he became one of the first black carpenters in the Civil Service Carpenters Union at Fort Riley Kansas.

Gilbert's love for God was evident in his service to his local and national church association. He held the position of Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent for over 60 years. Gilbert was the assistant campground manager, trustee and president for many years for the Interstate Association of the Church of God, Topeka, Kansas. Gilbert, a Master Carpenter was the contractor for building the Multipurpose building on the Interstate Campground in Topeka Kansas in the mid 1980's. Gilbert served as Chairman of The Board for the National Association of the Church of God, West Middlesex, PA. The West Middlesex Camp meeting was dear to Gilbert as this is where he met his loving wife of 61 years, Rose Lee (Venson) Hammond. He faithfully attended church camp meetings and conventions until his health started to decline.

In his local community of Junction City, Kansas Gilbert was often called upon to submit articles to the news media regarding hot topics of the day and perspectives on black culture and history. Numerous articles expanding decades are on file at the Junction City Daily Union penned by Mr. Gilbert N. Hammond Sr.

Gilbert became a member of the NAACP at age 18 and was later named the organizations lobbyists for the state of Kansas. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP opening doors of opportunity for many to walk thru. Gilbert proudly attended the Million Man March in Washington D.C. He was also instrumental in the design and construction of the Buffalo Soldier Monument in Junction City, KS, one of the largest of it's kind in the country. Gilbert also served on the Zoning Board in Junction City, Kansas.

One of Gilbert's dreams was realized as he was well traveled. He took his family on regular vacations in the 1960's and early 70's touring every state in the U.S. with the exception of 2 or 3. Gilbert was also responsible for moving pastors from across the country to the First Church of God in Junction City, such as the late Bishop Benjamin Reid, Rev. Alvin Lewis and others.

Gilbert was an entrepreneur, multiple property owner, master carpenter and owner of G. Hammond Rental Agency which has been in existence over 50 years. He was self-employed most of his life. The home he built in the 1950's that he continued to expand as his family grew remains at 428 W. 13th Junction City, Kansas.

Gilbert comes from a rich heritage and family that is distinguished as one of the first black families in Geary County. Gilbert leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife - Rose Lee Hammond, and children, Gilbert N. Hammond Jr. (Jeanette) of Wichita, KS, Frenzela J. Alaman of Arlington, TX, Steven L. Hammond of Junction City, KS. Grandchildren, Gilbert B. Hammond (Brian), Krystal J. Alaman, Eric C. Hammond, Jordan M. Hammond (Tara), Jasmine C. Hammond, Steven A. Hammond (Andrew). Great-Grandchildren ; Darrion M. Hammond, Rylee B. Hammond, Sisters; Betty Whitlow, Brother-In-Law Samuel Whitlow of Nashville TN, Loretta Little of Baltimore MD, Brother-In-Law Benjamin Venson, Sister - In – Law, Lillie Mae Venson, Sister - In- Law Clara Venson and his God Sister, Anita Brown.

Gilbert led a life committed and devoted to the love of God, family and serving his fellow man. His life's accomplishments are to numerous to count. His loving memory will be cherished by a host of family and friends, near and far. Gilbert is affectionately remembered as husband, father, friend, Uncle Gibby, and Deacon Hammond.