Robert Louis Hammermaster

On May 3d 2025 heaven gained another angel. Robert Louis Hammermaster went to be with the Lord. Robert was known for his kindness to all he met, and led his life as an example for others. He was always helpful and took care of others before himself He was born on September 29, 1931 and lived to be 93 years young as he would say. He also turned his age around-so he would be "39" years young now. He always said he was "39 and holding, just like Jack Benny" As a child he grew up on a farm in South Rockwood, Michigan. At the age of 17 he joined the army. He served in the Korean War and made Sergeant. He was honorably discharged when he was 21 years old. He always said he was stationed up in the mountains and he was always freezing. He wore his Korean veteran hat when he went out, and many people would approach him and thank him for his service. He always told them he was happy to be home. Robert and Bernice met at Bunny's department store in Flat Rock. They married on May 14, 1955. They were always together for 70 years, never apart. They enjoyed going out to eat, going to the casino, to Greenfield Village, and looking at antique cars. They set high standards for all of us to follow. In their later years at Westlake, they enjoyed going to Bingo, listening to Happy Hour music and other activities. They especially loved visits from all family members. Last year for their 69 anniversary, we were lucky to have gone with them to Stahls Motor and Music Museum. We had a wonderful time together, a great memory for all. He was a millwright at McLouth steel for 35 years retiring in 1993. Everyone knew him as Hammer. After retirement he took up woodworking and did many craft shows and made his children and grandchildren many items. He always liked to be busy either gardening or designing new wood projects. He loved the Tigers and Red Wings-watching them on television and discussing the score with his grandsons was a joy to him. He loved being a grandfather, and it showed. He always went to hockey games, dance recitals, graduations, band shows, baseball games, and anything else his grandchildren were involved in. He was the original dog whisperer-there was not a dog that didn't love him. His special dogs were Susie and Rosie. He cared for them like they were his children-playing with them, petting them, taking them on car rides and to the stores. He was especially guilty of making them special treats— pancakes for Rosie, and chicken for Susie. He will be greatly missed by his loving family who have many fond memories of birthday parties and holidays spent together. Preceding him in death are his parents Helen and Albert, brothers Harry and Richard, and his infant son, Robert Michael (Bobby). Surviving is his wife of 70 years, Bernice, his daughters, Donna (Dan), and Carolyn (Ray). He had 6 grandchildren, Danny (Monika), Becky (Matt), Robert, Christopher, Melissa (Rob), and Alex (Lacie). He also leaves behind 12 great grandchildren. Kailyn, Taylor, Lilyan, Brandon, Ben, Evan, Nathan, Natalie, Olivia, PJ, Owen and Jordan. We would like to thank all his caregivers at Westlake Health Center and Open Arms Hospice for always taking such good care of dad. Thank you for all the hugs and kind words at our time of need. Donations may be made to Open Arms Hospice in his name.

Robert Louis Hammermaster

September 29, 1931 - May 3, 2025