Richard Lee “Rick” Hammerschmidt, 75, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on June 1, 1947 in Victoria, Kansas, a son of the late Richard J. and Kathleen (O’Grady) Hammerschmidt.
On September 7, 1997, he was married to Billie Jean (Hammons) Hammerschmidt in Lebanon. She preceded him in death on September 3, 2017.
He was a graduate of high school in Rawlins, Wyoming. Following school, he served his country honorably in the United States Army in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Commendation Medal for his heroism and a Purple Heart. He had worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company as a Measurement Technician for 30+ years until his retirement.
Rick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and enjoyed the time they spent together. His hobbies included bargain shopping for all things he considered treasures. He enjoyed having coffee at McDonald’s every morning with some great friends that were the founders of the “table of knowledge”. He loved to tinker especially with clocks, lamps, cars, and jewelry. He had collected geodes for years and had some of the prettiest stones around. He really enjoyed spending time with his “best bud” Lin Ellis.
Survivors include two children, Shane (Crystal) Hammerschmidt of Rolling Prairie, Indiana and Maranda (James) Grimes of Fritch, Texas; three stepchildren, Debbie (Bruce) McIntire, Sandy (Omer) Wells, and Tim (Michele) Patrick; brother, Jim (JimAnn) Hammerschmidt of Yukon, OK; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Memorial Services are planned for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services. Boone County Crematory has been entrusted with his cremation arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association in memory of Rick’s grandson, William Lee Hammerscmidt.
